BEAUMONT – The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) made a big reveal last Friday that many Tyler Countians have been awaiting with bated breath.
The TxDOT Beaumont District unveiled its updated plans for the US 69 Woodville-Colmesneil Relief Route. According to TxDOT, the adjusted alignment of the project, which it has labelled as “alternative ‘D’” is what the agency has selected for the proposed project.
The project, which was greenlit in 2023, went through several iterations, with four possible routes at one point, and was later narrowed down to two after public comment and concern from county officials about potential impacts. The “D” route, which follows along an eastern portion of the county, along the old railroad right-of-way, was selected “based on public feedback and the Planning and Environmental (PEL) Study,” according to an update from TxDOT.
Additionally, TxDOT reported that the project will be split into two legs, which it states will “facilitate opportunities and reduce local construction burden.”
The project, from its inception, has called for a 25-mile new location roadway to reduce south/north traffic between Colmesneil and Warren, with two 12-foot travel lanes in each direction, a northbound 13-foot outside shoulder to be used as a hurricane evacuation lane and a southbound 10-foot outside shoulder.
TxDOT stated it will also consider bicycle and pedestrian accommodations throughout the project.
The first segment of the project is 13.1 miles, which begins one mile south of Black Creek in Warren, to US 190 in Woodville. Segment two consists of 12.1 miles, from 190 to one mile north of Recreational Road 255 in Colmesneil.
“The TxDOT Beaumont District will continue to gather public feedback throughout the environmental process and the project development process. We will continue to provide ongoing project updates and answer questions regarding the proposed project,” a news release on the updated project stated.
TxDOT’s timetable for the project includes the environmental impact statements (EIS) process beginning this year for segment one, and right-of-way acquisition on that stretch and environmental clearance anticipated for 2027.
The design and plans are anticipated to be finalized for segment one in 2028 to 2030, and the EIS process will begin on segment two in 2031, and construction on segment one to begin in 2032.
Links to the maps of the conceptual project can be found here.
