Draft Environmental Assessment - U.S. 271

Notice

Draft Environmental Assessment and Opportunity for a Public Hearing

US HIGHWAY (US) 271

From Loop 286 in Paris to State Highway (SH) 37 in Bogata CSJs: 0221-01-078, 0221-01-079 and 0221-02-028 Lamar and Red River counties, Texas

Paris, Texas -- The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Paris District is proposing to improve US Highway (US) 271 from Loop 286 to State Highway (SH) 37 in Lamar and Red River counties, Texas. This notice advises the public that a draft environmental assessment (EA) is available for public review and that TxDOT is affording an opportunity for a public hearing on the proposed project.

The proposed improvements to US 271 include the widening from a two-lane highway to a four-lane divided highway for approximately 20.6 miles. Portions of the project lie within the Cities of Paris, Pattonville, Deport, and Bogata.

There are two proposed typical sections anticipated for the project, one with a paved median, and the other with a depressed or grass median. The proposed typical section with a paved median includes two 12-foot travel lanes in each direction with 10-foot outside shoulders, and a 16-foot paved median to accommodate left turns.

The proposed typical section with a depressed, or grass median, includes two 12-foot travel lanes in each direction with 10-foot outside shoulders, 4-foot inside shoulders, and a depressed, or grass, median. Proposed access for the US 271 corridor would continue to be at-grade. Open ditch drainage would be implemented throughout the corridor, and closed storm sewer system would be implemented through Pattonville.

The proposed project is currently funded for construction. The proposed project would, subject to final design considerations, require additional right of way and potentially displace four residences, one commercial building, and two other non-residential structures.

Approximately 123.0 acres of additional right-of-way would be required to accommodate the proposed project. Additionally, approximately 4.9 acres of existing easements and 2.6 acres of proposed temporary construction license areas would be utilized for the proposed project.

Relocation assistance is available for displaced persons and businesses. Information about the TxDOT Relocation Assistance Program and services and benefits for those displaced and other affected property owners, as well as information about the tentative schedule for right-of-way acquisition and construction, can be obtained from the TxDOT district office by calling (903) 737-9282.

The proposed project would involve construction in wetlands. The proposed project would involve an action in a floodplain. The draft EA, maps and drawings showing the project location and design, tentative construction schedules, and other information regarding the proposed project are on file and available for inspection Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at TxDOT Paris District Office, 1365 North Main Street, Paris, Texas 75460. Project materials are also available online at www.txdot.gov, keyword search “US 271 from Loop 286”. The project materials are written in English. If you need an interpreter or document translator because English is not your primary language or you have difficulty communicating effectively in English, one will be provided to you. If you have a disability and need assistance, special arrangements can be made to accommodate most needs. If you need interpretation or translation services or you are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation to review the project materials or submit information, please contact Duane Good at (903) 737-9282 no later than 4:00 p.m. CT, at least three business days before the date on which you would like to review the project materials or submit information. Please be aware that advance notice is required as some services and accommodations may require time for TxDOT to arrange.

Any interested person may submit a written request for a public hearing on this project. Written comments from the public regarding the proposed project are also requested. Written hearing requests and comments may be submitted by mail to the TxDOT Paris District Office, 1365 North Main Street, Paris, Texas 75460, or by email to duane.good@txdot.gov. All hearing requests and comments must be received on or before Tuesday, October 8, 2024.

A hearing will be held if ten or more individuals submit timely written requests for a hearing, or if an agency with jurisdiction over the project submits a timely written request for a hearing that is supported by reasons why a hearing will be helpful. Responses to comments received will be available online at www.txdot.gov, keyword search “US 271 from Loop 286” once they have been prepared.

If you have any general questions or concerns regarding the proposed project, please contact Duane Good at (903) 737-9282 or email: duane.good@txdot.gov.

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 9, 2019, and executed by FHWA and TxDOT.