Local Governments Seek Public Input on I-20 Corridor Study

TYLER — Smith County and the city of Tyler are seeking public input and recommendations concerning one of the most frequently traveled corridors in the region, Interstate 20. Officials say I-20 from the Louisiana/Texas border to the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area provides an important east-west connection for travel and trade in Texas, directly impacting Tyler and Smith County. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is partnering with the city, the county, and 19 other entities to evaluate the I-20 roadway as it goes through the East Texas region. This project, called the I-20 East Texas Corridor Study, was specifically created to assess current safety and capacity needs, to plan for future growth, and to identify specific rural and rail transportation needs along the heavily traveled corridor.

The I-20 East Texas Corridor Advisory Committee was established by TxDOT to assist in providing local input and recommendations for this study. The committee is composed of 21 elected officials and other stakeholders from:

* East Texas counties located along the I-20 corridor
* East Texas cities located along the I-20 corridor
* Metropolitan Planning Organizations
* North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority (NET RMA)
* Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART)
* Other collaborating partners (e.g., private business interests, economic development organizations, rural planning organizations, transit interest groups, and others)

Through December 2014, the city of Tyler and Smith County are asking the public to provide feedback and suggestions for the I-20 corridor. Officials say that feedback will be brought to the committee, will help determine corridor conditions, and will help identify short- and long-term needs for the highway. Citizens are encouraged to visit the Smith County Web site at http://www.smith-county.com and leave their comments on the I-20 East Texas Corridor Study page. Citizens may also contact the Tyler area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) at http://www.TylerAreaMPO.org to provide feedback.

The success of this project depends on the input of all those who travel and are impacted by the I-20 East Texas corridor, officials say. More information about the I-20 East Texas Corridor Study is available on the Smith County Web site.