Proposed Improvements to FM 545 From FM 2933 to BS-78D - Public Hearing
CSJ: 1012-02-030
Purpose:
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will conduct a public hearing for the purpose of presenting planned improvements and soliciting public comments regarding the proposed roadway improvements to Farm to Market Road (FM) 545 in the cities of Melissa and Blue Ridge in Collin County, Texas.
Description:
The proposed project limits extend from FM 2933 to Business State Highway 78 (BS – 78D) in Collin County for a total distance of 9.09 miles; however, 1.69 miles of this roadway within these limits will exclude previously reconstructed roadway and bridge replacements including Sister Grove Creek and Pilot Grove Creek. The total construction length for this proposed project is approximately 7.40 miles. The existing FM 545 roadway consists of a two-lane, undivided roadway with 11-foot wide travel lanes and one foot shoulders. The proposed project will have two, 12-foot travel lanes and 10-foot shoulders. In addition, the proposed project would include the improvement of four curves by shifting the center line of each curve to improve safety. The FM 545 existing roadway section will be resurfaced from Pecan Street to BS-78D in Blue Ridge. The existing roadway right-of-way width varies from approximately 80 feet to 120 feet and the proposed roadway right-of-way width footprint will increase to approximately 132 feet. The proposed project will require approximately 52 acres of new right-of-way and an estimated 2.8 acres of permanent easements. Relocation assistance is available for displaced persons.
In accordance with Chapter 26 of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code, this hearing will serve to allow the public the opportunity to provide comments on the project’s potential impacts to approximately 0.231 acre of publicly-owned land designated as the City of Melissa Sports Complex (0.026 acre of right-of-way and 0.205 acre of permanent drainage easement). In addition, the project is subject to Section 4(f) coordination for parks, recreation areas, and wildlife and waterfowl refuges pursuant to Part 23 CFR 774.3(b) for the impacts to the publicly-owned recreation area and coordination with the City of Melissa, which has jurisdiction over the recreation area. Though effects to the resource are minimal, the total property acquisition does constitute a de minimis use of the property under Section 4(f). A Section 4(f) de minimis finding means that the proposed project would not adversely affect the activities, features, or attributes that qualify the recreation area for protection under Section 4(f). TxDOT will consider comments received during the public comment period before making a final Section 4(f) de minimis determination.
Special accommodations:
TxDOT makes every reasonable effort to accommodate the needs of the public. The open house will be in English. If you have a special communication accommodation or need for an interpreter, a request can be made. If you have a disability and need assistance, special arrangements can also be made to accommodate most needs. Please call (214) 320-4480 at least two working days prior to the meeting. Please be aware that advance notice is requested as some accommodations may require time for TxDOT to arrange.
Memorandum of Understanding:
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 16, 2014, and executed by FHWA and TxDOT.
Displays will be available for viewing at 6:00 p.m.
Formal presentation starting at 7:00 p.m.
Blue Ridge High School
11020 County Road 504
Blue Ridge, Texas 75424
FM 545 Public Hearing Notice (English)
FM 545 Public Hearing Notice (Spanish)
FM 545 Public Hearing Location Map (English)
FM 545 Public Hearing Location Map (Spanish)
FM 545 Schematic