[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 176 (Friday, September 11, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 48784]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-24445]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Environmental Impact Statement: Travis and Williamson Counties, 
TX

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of Intent.

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SUMMARY: The FHWA is issuing this notice to advise the public that the 
scope (project limits) of the environmental impact statement (EIS) for 
the proposed State Highway 45 project in Travis and Williamson 
Counties, Texas, will be revised. This notice amends the NOI for 
proposed State Highway 45 that was published in the Federal Register on 
October 31, 1997.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Walter C. Waidelich, District 
Engineer, Federal Highway Administration, Room 850, Federal Building, 
300 East 8th Street, Austin, Texas 78701, (512) 916-5988. Stacey 
Benningfield, Environmental Manager, Texas Turnpike Authority Division, 
Texas Department of Transportation, 125 E. 11th Street, Austin, Texas 
78701-2483, (512) 936-0983.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: As initially planned SH 45 was to extend 
from FM 685 north of Pflugerville, Texas, westerly to a termini at U.S. 
Highway 183 (a distance of approximately 22.5 kilometers or 14 miles) 
with a 1.1. kilometer (0.7 mile) transition to existing Ranch-to-Market 
Road 620.
    Based on preliminary traffic and engineering analyses, it was 
determined that the western project terminus and 1.1 kilometer (0.7 
mile) transitional area, as originally proposed, would not provide for 
efficient dissipation of traffic demand and would, in fact, contribute 
to congestion on US 183, Anderson Mill Road and RM 620. To provide for 
efficient traffic movement in the western portion of the project area, 
it is necessary to extend the western project limit to Anderson Mill 
Road (Ranch-to-Market Road 2769). West of Anderson Mill Road the 
proposed facility will be transitioned back to existing RM 620. The 
environmental impact statement for proposed State Highway 45 will 
address the entire 26.1 kilometer (16.2 miles) length of the revised 
limits of State Highway 45 including the transitional area west of 
Anderson Mill Road.
    Since publication of the original NOI in October 1997, the proposed 
SH 45 project has been identified as a turnpike project candidate. 
Accordingly, the Texas Department of Transportation has assigned 
project development responsibility to its Turnpike Authority Division 
(TTA). The proposed project is now being developed by the FHWA in 
cooperation with the TTA.
    As currently envisioned, between Anderson Mill Road in southwest 
Williamson County and proposed State Highway 130 in northeast Travis 
County, the proposed facility will be initially constructed and 
operated as a controlled access toll road. Frontage roads will be 
provided in some areas, but will not be continuous throughout the 
length of the proposed project. Between Anderson Mill Road and proposed 
State Highway 130 the ultimate facility design is anticipated to be a 
six-lane controlled access freeway with frontage roads.
    From State Highway 130 to FM 685, the eastern project termini, the 
proposed facility will be a non-toll 4-lane divided highway.
    In conjunction with preparation of the EIS for State Highway 45 and 
selection of a preferred alternative, the TTA will conduct a toll 
feasibility study to evaluate the viability of developing the selected 
alternative as a toll road (except in the area east of proposed State 
Highway 130) and financing it, in whole or in part, through the 
issuance of revenue bonds. The toll road designation will not influence 
the selection of a preferred alternative. Proposed alternatives, 
including alternative alignments, will be evaluated for how well they 
meet the established purpose and need for the proposed project. Any 
impacts owing to the toll road designation will be discussed in the 
environmental impact statement.
    On October 7, 1998, the TTA will conduct a public meeting to 
discuss the proposed State Highway 45 project. The purpose of the 
public meeting will be to receive comments on the proposed project. 
During the public meeting, particular emphasis will be placed upon the 
portion of the proposed facility to be located within the expanded 
project limits. The meeting will be held at Noel Grisham Middle School, 
10805 School House Lane, Austin, Texas 78750. From 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., 
displays showing the preliminary alternatives corridors will be 
available for review. During this time, TTA staff will be available to 
answer questions. At 7:00 p.m. there will be a formal project 
presentation followed by a public comment period. All interested 
citizens are invited to attend this meeting.
    A public hearing will be held after publication for the Draft EIS. 
Public notice will be given of the time and place of the hearing. The 
Draft EIS will be available for public and agency review and comment 
prior to the public hearing.
    To ensure that the full range of issues related to this proposed 
action are addressed, and all significant issues identified, comments 
and suggestions are invited from all interested parties. Comments or 
questions concerning the proposed action and the EIS should be directed 
to the FHWA or TTA at the addresses provided above.

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Number 20.205, 
Highway Research, Planning and Construction. The regulations 
implementing Executive Order 12372 regarding intergovernmental 
consultation on Federal programs and activities apply to this 
program)
Walter C. Waidelich,
District Engineer, Austin, Texas.
[FR Doc. 98-24445 Filed 9-10-98; 8:45 am]
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