HOUSTON —The Texas Department of Transportation will host public hearings on March 5th and 7th to present the findings of the preliminary engineering, environmental studies and proposed roadway improvements for SH 288 from US 59 to County Road (CR) 60 in Brazoria County.  The ultimate design will include:

• The construction of toll lanes within the 26-mile existing grassy median between US 59 and CR 60
• Direct-connector improvements at IH 610 and at Beltway 8
• New overpasses at select existing at-grade intersections
• Improved access to the Texas Medical Center
• Additional general-purpose lanes between IH 610 and Beltway 8

The public is encouraged to attend to ask questions and view project exhibits.  An open house will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. followed immediately by a formal public comment period.  “We are committed to engaging the public and value their input in the decision making process, the public hearing will allow the public the opportunity to voice support for the project as well as any concerns,” said James Koch, P.E. Director of Transportation Planning and Development. 

The estimated cost to build the ultimate design is $1.3 billion.  The goal is to obtain environmental clearance and be ready to begin construction in 2014, but the timeline is dependent upon available funding.   “To the degree possible, we would like to deliver as many of the improvements identified in the ultimate design as soon as possible, but funding limitations will mean that phasing the delivery of the improvements will be inevitable.  That said, we still have to determine the most viable financial strategy and interim project scope to leverage any public-private partnership related funding that might be available to us, said Mike Alford, TxDOT’s Houston District Engineer. 

The first meeting will be held Tuesday, March 5, 2013 at Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professionals, 3100 Shenandoah, Houston, Texas 77021 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  The second meeting will be held Thursday, March 7, 2013 at Berry Miller Jr. High, 3301 Manvel Rd, Pearland, Texas 77584. Both meetings will be held in the cafeteria. 

Written comments relative to the proposed project can be submitted to the comment box at the meeting.  Written comments can also be submitted to the Director of Project Development, Texas Department of Transportation, P.O. Box 1386, Houston, Texas, 77251-1386.  Comments may also be emailed to HOU-piowebmail@txdot.gov .  Comments must be postmarked or emailed by February 8, 2013 to be included in the public record. 

For more information, contact Raquelle Lewis at (713) 802-5071.