CC71 - Citizens for Change on 71

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Tx Dot Open House, Tuedsay, February 26, 2008 from 5 to 8pm
Monday February 18th 2008

NOTICE OF OPEN HOUSE

On February 26, 2008, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will conduct an open house to present proposed improvements to SH 71 from Uplands Ridge to Silvermine Drive in Travis County, Texas and to solicit public comment. SH 71 is an existing undivided four-lane highway that lacks shoulders. TxDOT is proposing to widen the overall pavement width of SH 71 to accommodate a continuous center turn lane and 8-foot shoulders throughout the length of the project limits. The bridge over Barton Creek would also be widened. Retaining walls would be added along the project limits to minimize right-of-way acquisition. Existing usual right-of-way width is approximately 150 feet. Proposed right-of-way width would range from approximately 150 to 192 feet. The proposed project is approximately 5 miles long and would require the acquisition of approximately 4.5 acres of right-of-way and 0.4 acre of easements. Although additional right of way is required, no residences or businesses would be displaced. Information concerning services and benefits available to affected property owners and information about the tentative schedule for right of way acquisition and construction can be obtained at the open house.

The purpose of the proposed project is to improve safety and mobility along SH 71 by upgrading the existing roadway to current design standards. A turn lane is needed to provide refuge for vehicles slowing or stopping in a travel lane before turning when approaching an intersecting roadway. The proposed improvements are reflected in the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Mobility 2030 regional transportation plan.

The open house will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Travis County West Rural Community Center, 8656 Hwy. 71W, Building A, Austin, TX. During the open house, displays showing the project area, including preliminary schematic, and other project information will be available for review. A presentation will not be given during the open house; however, members of the project team will be available to answer questions. The schematic may be viewed prior to the open house at the South Travis Area Office of the Texas Department of Transportation, located at 9725 South IH 35 Austin, Texas 78753. Contact Ab Maamar-Tayeb at (512) 282-2113 to set an appointment to view the schematic.

All interested citizens are invited to attend this open house and to provide input. Verbal and written comments may be presented at the open house, or written comments may be submitted via regular postal mail. To be included in the official record of the open house, written comments must be received by Friday, March 7, 2008. Written comments should be mailed to: Environmental Coordinator, Texas Department of Transportation, P.O. Box 15426, Austin, TX 78761-5426.

Persons who have special communication or accommodation needs (such as language interpreters) and plan to attend the open house may contact Bonnie Lister by telephone at 512-832-7369 at least two working days prior to the open house so that arrangements can be made.