TxDOT asks for public input on planned I-14 corridor route
CAMERON, Texas (KBTX) – Wednesday kicked off the Texas Department of Transportation’s second round of open house meetings for residents to learn more about the plans for the future Interstate 14 Central Texas Corridor.
The Bryan district section of the roadway extends from Rogers in Bell County out to Huntsville in Walker County, ultimately connecting West Texas and Louisiana.
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 provided the funding to extend the existing portions.
“Bringing the highway to interstate standards,” TxDOT lead district public engagement specialist Lindsey Schroeder said.
As the population of the state grows, traffic has increased along with it. The extension of I-14, Schroeder said, is designed to help alleviate that congestion.
Phase one of the I-14 process consists of public open house meetings hosted by TxDOT, giving community members a chance to ask questions and provide feedback, ultimately shaping the possible route of the interstate.
One of those meetings took place in Milam County Thursday afternoon.
“That’s the reason we come out and ask folks what they have on their property, what’s next to them,” Bob Colwell with TxDOT Bryan said.
According to Colwell, their studies have identified existing highways that could play a key role in shaping its path. Highway US-190 and State Highway 30, he said, could potentially be used as part of I-14.
When the first round of feasibility studies began, a large area where the interstate could potentially run was identified. As the meetings continue, that area gets smaller and smaller as community members point out important local details, such as environmental obstacles or areas with historical significance.
“People know their property better than we do, and that is the whole reason that we do this long, extensive public involvement, so we can make sure that we can give the citizens the best route possible,” Colwell said.
TxDOT officials said this phase is expected to take around eight years to complete. From start to finish, the I-14 Central Texas Corridor will likely require a decades-long process.
The open house meetings run from 4:30-6:30 p.m. with both in-person and virtual options to attend. At the meetings, attendees will be able to review project materials, ask TxDOT officials questions and provide feedback on the materials. The third round of public meetings is slated to begin in early 2025.
The remaining meeting dates and locations are listed below.
Wednesday, July 10, 2024Kimbro Center111 Trinity Street, Madisonville, TX 77864Thursday, July 11, 2024Walker County Fairgrounds3925 SH-30, Huntsville, TX 77340Wednesday, July 17, 2024Legends Event Center533 Midtown Park Blvd., Bryan, TX 77801Thursday, July 18, 2024Grimes County Fairgrounds5220 FM 3455, Navasota, TX 77868
