The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will conduct a Public Hearing on Thursday, July 12, 2012, for the proposed improvements to Farm-to-Market (FM) 740/Laurence Road in Rockwall County, Texas. The proposed project limits extend along FM 740 for approximately 1.86 miles from FM 1140/Heathland Crossing south to FM 1140/Hubbard Drive.

The purpose of the Public Hearing is to present the anticipated social, economic, and environmental effects of the proposed project. The Public Hearing will be held at the Rockwall-Heath High School Cafeteria located at 801 Laurence Drive, Heath, Texas, 75032. Prior to the Public Hearing, an Open House will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., to allow for questions and review of project exhibits. TxDOT staff will be available to answer questions during the Open House. The formal Public Hearing presentation will begin at 7:00 p.m. followed by a public comment period.

The proposed improvements would widen the existing two-lane road to a four-lane, curb-and-gutter roadway, including construction of two 11-foot traffic lanes, two 14-foot traffic/bike lanes, and sidewalks. The existing right-of-way of FM 740 within the project area is typically 80 feet in width. Approximately 7.5 acres of additional right-of-way, consisting of 64 parcels, would be needed to accommodate the proposed improvements. No residential or commercial property displacements or relocations would be required. The proposed project would not adversely affect wetlands or the 100-year floodplain.

The proposed project?s environmental document along with maps and drawings showing the location and geometric design will be presented at the Public Hearing. This information is also available for public inspection and reproduction at the TxDOT Dallas District Office, located at 4777 East Highway 80, Mesquite, Texas 75150 and on-line at www.keepitmovingdallas.com under Upcoming Public Hearing. Information concerning the TxDOT Relocation Assistance Program, benefits and services for displacements as well as information about the tentative schedules for ROW acquisition and construction may be obtained from the TxDOT Dallas District Office.

All interested persons are invited to attend this Public Hearing. Persons requiring special communication or accommodation needs should contact the TxDOT Dallas District Public Information Office at (214) 320-6100 at least two (2) working days prior to the Hearing so appropriate arrangements can be made. Because the Hearing will be conducted in English, any request for language interpretation or other special communication needs should also be made at least two (2) working days prior to the Hearing. Every reasonable effort to accommodate these needs will be made.

Verbal and written comments from the public regarding the proposed project may be presented at the Public Hearing. Written comments submitted after the Public Hearing may be presented either in person or by mail to:

Mr. Michael A. Renfrow, P.E.
TxDOT Dallas District APD
P.O. Box 133067
Dallas, Texas 75313-3067

Written comments submitted after the Public Hearing must be postmarked on or before Monday, July 23, 2012, to be included in the Public Hearing record. For additional information please contact Mike Renfrow, P.E., at 214-320-4472.