By JACQI LEYVA-HILL
Special to the NEWS
The Texas Department of Transportation (TXDoT), in cooperation with the Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority (CCRMA) and the City of San Benito, continues to seek public input on a proposed $10.5 million widening of FM 1846, also known as Oscar Williams Road.
The project proposes widening approximately 1.62 miles of FM 1846 between Business 77 and San Jose Ranch Road. Plans call for four 12-foot travel lanes, a continuous 14-foot left-turn lane, two 10-foot shoulders, and a 10-foot shared-use path for pedestrians and bicyclists.
TxDOT Public Information Officer Ray Pedraza said the roadway currently narrows from four lanes to two within the project area, limiting traffic to one lane in each direction.
“The reduced capacity of the roadway from four lanes to two lanes within the project limits reduces mobility by limiting travel to one lane in each direction, which could cause travel delays as the project area continues to grow and its population increases,” Pedraza said.
He added that vehicles turning into existing residences or businesses must slow or stop in the travel lane, which can lead to unsafe turning movements and congestion. The project area also lacks bicycle or pedestrian facilities, despite the presence of a school.
Projected traffic counts provided by TxDOT show approximately 9,800 vehicles along FM 1846 from Business 77 to San Jose Ranch Road in 2030, increasing to 13,800 by 2050. The section from Ogden Road to San Jose Ranch Road is projected to increase from 5,700 vehicles in 2030 to 8,000 in 2050.
Approximately 6.53 acres of new right-of-way is required for the project. Pedraza said no residential or business displacements are anticipated, and TxDOT is responsible for acquiring additional right-of-way from individual property owners.
Construction is currently listed in the Rio Grande Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Metropolitan Transportation Plan for fall 2032. Before construction can begin, environmental clearance, schematic approval, right-of-way acquisition, and utility coordination must be completed.
Pedraza said the timeline could change due to funding or design considerations.
A virtual public meeting started on Wednesday, July 29, at 5 p.m. and remains online for at least 15 days. An in-person public meeting option took place Thursday evening at SBCISD’s Veterans Memorial Academy, both conducted in English and Spanish.
Public comments must be received by Aug. 14. Comments may be emailed to edavila@ccrma.org or mailed to the CCRMA, Attention: Eric Davila, P.E., at 3461 Carmen Ave., Rancho Viejo, TX 78575.
“Any and all feedback is welcome,” Pedraza said.
The online public meeting is being held on the TxDOT.gov website. Participants are asked to enter the keyword “FM 1846 (Oscar Williams Rd.).”
The virtual meeting consists of a pre-recorded video presentation and includes both audio and visual components, according to a CCRMA statement.
Individuals without internet access may call (956) 621-5573 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, to ask questions and access project materials during the project development process.
The in-person option was held in an open-house format.
Information on services and benefits available to affected property owners, as well as the tentative schedule for right-of-way acquisition and construction, may be obtained from the CCRMA office by calling (956) 621-5573.
Environmental documentation and studies, maps and drawings showing the project location and design, tentative construction schedules, and other information regarding the proposed project are on file and available for inspection Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the CCRMA office at 3461 Carmen Ave., Rancho Viejo.
Call Davila to set up an appointment.
Project materials are also available online at www.txdot.gov (keyword: FM 1846 (Oscar Williams Rd.)) and at https://ccrma.org/hearings-meetings-and-noticeschedules/.
These materials are also available in hard copy for review during the in-person option.
The virtual public meeting and the in-person option are being conducted in English.
For individuals who require an interpreter or a document translator because English is not a primary language or because an individual has difficulty communicating effectively in English, one will be provided.
If a member of the public has a disability and needs assistance, special arrangements can be made to accommodate most needs.
Responses to the comments received will be made available online at www.txdot.gov (keyword: FM 1846 (Oscar Williams Rd.)) and at https://ccrma.org/hearings-meetings-and-noticeschedules/ once they are prepared.
General questions about the proposed project, the virtual meeting, or the in-person option may be directed to Davila.