NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Proposed Widening of Interstate Highway 35 East (IH 35E) From 2 Miles South of Farm to Market (FM) 566 (Hill/Ellis County Line) to U.S. Highway 77 (US 77) South of Waxahachie
CSJ: 0048-08-049

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will conduct a Public Hearing regarding the proposed widening of IH 35E from approximately 2 miles south of FM 566 (Hill/Ellis County Line) to US 77 south of Waxahachie. The hearing will be on Tuesday, June 16, 2015, at the Italy Community Center, 161 W. Main Street, Italy, Texas 76651. The purpose of the hearing is to present the proposed project to the public and to receive public comment. Displays will be available for viewing at 6:00pm with the formal hearing commencing at 7:00pm.

The existing facility consists of two travel lanes in each direction with 12-foot wide outside shoulders, 10-foot inside shoulders. The existing right-of-way (ROW) width varies from 300 feet to 590 feet. The proposed project would widen this section from a four- to six-lane facility by converting the existing 12-foot outside shoulders to third mainlanes and adding new 10-foot outside shoulders. Minor ramp alignment modifications at various locations along IH 35E are also proposed. The purpose of the project is to reduce congestion and enhance safety by accommodating traffic volumes along this section of IH 35E. The proposed improvements would not require additional right-of-way or drainage easements. No displacements would be required as a result of the proposed project.

Maps and other drawings showing the proposed project’s location and design will be displayed at the Public Hearing. Environmental documentation for the project will also be available for inspection at the hearing. Other information about the proposed project is on file and available for public inspection Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00am and 5:00pm at the TxDOT Dallas District Office located at 477 East Highway 80, Mesquite, Texas 75150 and the TxDOT Ellis County Area Office located at 100 SW County Road 1000, Corsicana, Texas 75110. This information will also be available online at www.keepitmovingdallas.com under Upcoming Public Hearing/Meeting.

All interested persons are invited to attend this Public Hearing. Verbal and written comments from the public regarding this project are encouraged and may be presented for a period of 10 calendar days following the hearing. Written comments may be submitted either in person or by mail to the TxDOT Dallas District Office, Mr. Jim Dobbins, 4777 East Highway 80, Mesquite, Texas 75150. All written comments must be postmarked on or before Friday, June 26, 2015 to be included in the official public record.

The Public Hearing will be conducted in English. Persons interested in attending the hearing who have special communication or accommodation needs, or need an interpreter, are encouraged to contact the TxDOT Dallas District Public Information Office at (214) 320-4480. Requests should be made at least two days prior to the Public Hearing. Every reasonable effort will be made to accommodate these needs. If you have general questions or concerns regarding the proposed project, you may contact Mr. Nelson L. Underwood, P.E. at (214) 320-6628.

The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable Federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried-out by TxDOT pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated December 16, 2014, and executed by FHWA and TxDOT.