Tyler Area MPO Seeks Input on I-20 East Texas Corridor Study

TYLER � Tyler-area residents have a chance to weigh in on the future of a key highway today at an Interstate 20 East Texas Corridor Study Open House. It�s set for UT Health Northeast from 5:30 to 6:30pm. Officials say the study, being conducted by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), is focused on evaluating the current safety and capacity needs along the 155-mile stretch of I-20 from I-635 in Dallas to the Texas/Louisiana state line.

TxDOT held a round of Open Houses to receive input on the corridor in April. The Tyler Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is holding this open house to aid TxDOT in the public comment portion of its plan by presenting some of the findings TxDOT has pulled together in a draft implementation plan. Attendees will be given an activity form and comment card, which the MPO will collect and relay to TxDOT.

The I-20 corridor currently serves as an integral east-west connection for both travel and trade in Texas. As the interstate system ages and trade increases, identifying opportunities for improvement becomes more critical, according to officials. Assessing the current corridor conditions and identifying future growth potential are deemed important to ensuring this route meets the needs of the region for decades to come.

* More information about the I-20 East Texas Corridor Study can be found at: http://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/projects/studies/statewide/i20-east-corridor.html
* Project information materials are now on display at the Tyler State Park offices and in the Tyler Chamber of Commerce offices (in the library)

TxDOT posted a video presentation as well as a virtual meeting for viewing online at:

* Virtual Meeting: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/I-20EastTexas
* Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3L4V2b8SfqY&list=UU0qQbqlsy_oGNuEKoz5NpXA

Citizens may contact Michael Howell, MPO coordinator, at 903-531-1175 for more information.