Shadow Creek Parkway/FM 2234 Expansion

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http://www.ultimatep...parkway-project

Hearing set on proposed Shadow Creek Parkway project

November 10, 2009 9:14 pmPearland Road W... wrote:A hearing is scheduled Nov. 18 on the proposed four-laning of Shadow Creek Parkway from FM 521 on the Fort Bend County line to Texas 288.

The project for the road, designated by the state as FM 2234, is critical for growing Shadow Creek Ranch, said Larry Heckathorn, the area engineer for the Texas Department of Transportation.

"The road we have out there isn't able to carry traffic the way it should," Heckathorn said.

The proposed four-lane concrete highway with raised medians "will be a great improvement over what's out there," he said.

The TxDOT-sponsored meeting at Mary Marek Elementary School, 1947 Kirby Drive, will include an open house at 6 p.m. in which project planners will be available to answer questions.

At 7 p.m. a formal public meeting will involve discussion of potential environmental, economic and social effects of widening the road, which is designated by the state as FM 2234.

All essential right of way for the work has been acquired, and the project is designed, Heckathorn said. But there's the matter of funding.

"Right now, we're very tight on funds," Heckathorn said. "We're hopeful that funds may become available to go ahead and take bids on it and build it."

During the public hearing, residents are given three minutes to speak. Minor changes could still be made to the project if needed, Heckathorn said.

Visitors also can complete comment forms at the meeting. Those forms should be postmarked by Dec. 4 and sent to:

Director of Project Development, Texas Department of Transportation, P.O. Box 1386, Houston TX 77251-1386