Brenham, TX

TxDOT Public Hearing

Thursday, January 18, 2024, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Brenham Elementary School
1000 W Blue Bell Rd
Brenham, TX 77833

The Texas Department of Transportation is proposing improvements to the US 290 at SH 36 interchange in Brenham, Washington County, Texas. The proposed project would enhance safety, reduce congestion, and improve regional mobility along the US 290 corridor. This notice advises the public that a draft environmental assessment (EA) is available for public review and TxDOT will be conducting a public hearing on the proposed project.

The hearing will be held on Thursday, January 18, 2024, from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Brenham Elementary School located at 1000 W Blue Bell Road, Brenham, TX 77833. Attendees will be able to come and go as they please to review project displays and ask questions of TxDOT staff in an open house format prior to a formal hearing presentation, which beings at 5:30 p.m. The purpose of the hearing is to present the proposed project and receive public comment. On the day of the public hearing, the information presented will be made available online on the TxDOT website www.txdot.gov, keyword search “US 290 at SH 36”.

The proposed project would construct a new interchange at the intersection of US 290 and SH 36 that provides continuous traffic flow via two lanes in each direction along US 290 with direct connectivity to SH 36. The existing two-way frontage roads would be converted to one-way frontage roads, and access to local roads from US 290 would be provided by upgraded entrance and exit ramps. The existing clover leaf ramps will be removed. Proposed improvements also include reconstruction of the Old Mill Creek and BUS 290 (Main Street) bridges, as well as construction of a shared use path for pedestrians and bicyclists along the project corridor. The project limits extend from FM 389 (Prairie Lea Street) to CR 49 (Windy Acres Road) for a length of approximately 3.25 miles.

The proposed project would, subject to final design considerations, require approximately 75 acres of right of way and potentially displace eleven residences and twenty non-residential structures. 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, can be obtained by contacting Christine Solomon, TxDOT Right of Way Project Manager, at (979) 218-2870.

The proposed project is anticipated to impact the following two properties protected under Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act of 1966: the 1957 Bowlerama, and the 1958 Old Mill Creek Road Bridge.

The proposed project would acquire approximately 0.12 acres from the 1957 Bowlerama, located at 2905 Highway 290 West. TxDOT anticipates making a de minimis determination for this use under Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act of 1966. The Old Mill Creek Bridge was addressed through the Section 4f Programmatic Evaluation of Historic Bridge Projects. Public comment on the effects of the 

proposed project on the activities, features, or attributes of the Bowlerama property and Old Mill Creek Bridge may be submitted as described below.

The proposed project would involve construction in wetlands and 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 by appointment Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the TxDOT Bryan District Office, 2591 North Earl Rudder Freeway, Bryan, Texas 77803, (979) 778-9231. This information also will be available for review at the hearing.

The public hearing will be conducted in English. If you need an interpreter or document translator because English is not your primary language or have difficulty communicating 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 are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation to attend and participate in the public hearing, please contact Bob Colwell, TxDOT Bryan District Public Information Officer at (979) 778-9764 no later than 4 p.m. CT, Monday, January 15, 2024. Please be aware that advance notice is required as some services and accommodations may require time for TxDOT to arrange.

Verbal and written comments from the public regarding the proposed project are requested and may be presented at the hearing. Written comments may also be submitted by mail to the TxDOT Bryan District Office, Attn: E. Sydney Fox, 2591 North Earl Rudder Freeway, Bryan, Texas 77803 or by email to BRY_PublicComment@txdot.gov. All comments must be received on or before Monday, February 5, 2024. Responses to comments received will be on file and available for inspection by appointment at the TxDOT Bryan District Office once they have been prepared.

If you have any general questions or concerns regarding the proposed project or the hearing, please contact E. Sydney Fox, TxDOT Bryan District Public Engagement Specialist at (979) 778-9231 or by email at Erin.Fox@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.