TXDOT releases I-69/Trans-Texas Corridor draft

After three years of research and gathering input from citizens, the Texas Department of Transportation released a draft of the proposed I-69/Trans-Texas Corridor. See highlighted map.

The Texas Department of Transportation in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration released its Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the proposed Trans-Texas Corridor project, last week saying it will make transportation safer, faster, more reliable and provide for faster hurricane evacuation.

In announcing the release of the DEIS TXxDOT says existing highways will be considered first, yet in the case of Grimes County the proposed route splits the county, east and west.

The 1,072 page report, representing nearly three years of work with local officials and input from citizens through hundreds of public meetings goes into great detail explaining, among other things, the need for the highway which will stretch 650 across Texas from far south Texas to extreme northeast Texas.

The report recommends additional detailed examination and public comment on a narrow study area to see where I-69/TTC can be located while minimizing environmental impacts. The recommended study area is approximately one-half to four-miles wide.

TxDOT says as a result of public comment to date, the report also recommends continued environmental studies on I-69/TTC focused on using existing highways first with new corridors as a secondary option.

“We are doing what the public asked us to do and that is to look at existing highways first, “ said Amandeo Saenz, TxDOT executive director.

“If improvements to existing highways and infrastructure cannot be made to handle long range transportation needs-or if citizens and local officials tell us they prefer a new corridor-other options will be considered. Decisions will be based on public input and detailed studies of environmental and social impacts.” Saenz continued.

In January, TxDOT will hold 10 Town Hall Meetings along the proposed corridor. The scheduling of the meetings is the direct result of public comments that the citizens want more opportunity to ask questions and get answers about the project.

TxDOT will begin formal public hearing on the environmental study in February.

Ted Haughton, member of the Texas Transportation Commission said, “We cannot solve the transportation challenges facing Texas without public awareness and public involvement.”

“We are doing what the public asked us to do and that is to look at existing highways first.”

Amandeo Saenz