Notice of Availability - I-20 at Ranger Hill Finding of No Significant Impact
Purpose:
This notice advises the public that a final environmental assessment (EA) is available for public review, and TxDOT has issued a finding of no significant impact (FONSI) for the I-20 at Ranger Hill project from 3.5 miles east of Loop 254 to SH 16 in Eastland County, Texas.
Description:
The proposed I-20 at Ranger Hill project would consists of interstate improvements to update I-20 to meet current TxDOT design standards within the approximately 3-mile project area. The design would realign I-20 approximately 500 feet south of the existing alignment to reduce the existing horizontal curvature (S-curve) to approximately one degree. The proposed design would also reduce the vertical grade from six to no more than three percent and would update the interstate from a super elevation (banking) of eight percent to four percent.
The proposed interstate would include two 12-foot mainlanes in each direction with room for 10-foot shoulders. In addition there would be a new 12-foot passing lane for westbound traffic. The proposed interstate consist would also include two new continuous two-way frontage roads on either side of the I-20 mainlanes. The frontage roads would consist of two 12-foot lanes with a 4-foot inside shoulder and an 8-foot outside shoulder. It is anticipated that construction would begin in January 2017 and last approximately three years.
The proposed right of way (ROW) would vary from 300 to 1,380 feet for a total of approximately 260 acres, including an existing TxDOT safety rest area. TxDOT would acquire approximately 89 acres of ROW from adjacent private landowners for the expansion of the proposed project. Although additional ROW is required, no residential or non-residential structures would be displaced.
To avoid noise impacts that may result from future development adjacent to a proposed highway project, a traffic noise analysis is included in the final EA, which includes predicted noise impact contours for currently undeveloped areas. These impact contours are intended as a general guide to assist local planning officials and developers plan and construct new activities in locations that would not result in traffic noise impacts. On the date of approval/clearance of an EA/FONSI (including the traffic noise analysis) for a proposed highway project, TxDOT is no longer responsible for providing noise abatement for new development.
Copies of the approved, final combined EA and FONSI, certification of public involvement and supporting documentation are available for public inspection Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the TxDOT Brownwood District office at 2495 Highway 183 North, Brownwood, TX 76802.
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 Dec. 16, 2014, and executed by FHWA and TxDOT.
Downloads:
Contact:
TxDOT Brownwood District
(325) 643-0411
Email
Posted Nov. 2, 2016.