TxDOT to host public meeting for LA 8 (Sabine River Bridge) replacement project at LA state line in Vernon Parish
Monday, July 17, 2023 at 9:26:28 AM
TxDOT to host public meeting for LA 8 (Sabine River Bridge) replacement project at LA state line in Vernon Parish
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), is proposing to relocate and replace the LA 8 bridge (SH 63) over the Sabine River that is located at the state line. The bridge connects Newton County, TX and the City of Leesville in Vernon Parish.
The proposed project would remove the TxDOT/DOTD jointly owned existing historic bridge and construct new roadway approaches and a new bridge approximately 0.3 miles downstream from its current location. This project is necessary due to the condition of the existing structure.
An in-person public meeting is scheduled to allow stakeholders and other interested parties to ask questions, obtain information, and provide input on the project. Meeting details are as follows:
Tuesday, July 25,2023
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Leesville High School Cafeteria
502 Berry Drive
Leesville, LA 71446
A second in-person opportunity will be held on Thursday, July 27, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Burkeville ISD Cafeteria, 231 CR 2099, Burkeville, Texas, 75932.
The existing historic LA 8 Sabine River Bridge, also known as Burr’s Ferry Bridge, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is classified as an historic site under Section 4(f) of the US DOT Act of 1966. The proposed project includes demolition of the existing bridge, and the new bridge involves construction in wetlands and in a floodplain.
The roadway approach would contain two 12-foot-wide lanes, two 10-foot-wide shoulders, and a 30-foot clear zone on each side of the pavement.
The virtual hearing will consist of a pre-recorded video presentation and will include both audio and visual components. The presentation will be posted online on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, by noon. To log onto the virtual public hearing, visit www.txdot.gov and, in the keyword search box in the upper-right hand corner, enter “Historic SH 63/LA 8 Bridge.”
If you do not have internet access, you may call the TxDOT Beaumont District Office at 409-898-5732 between the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, to ask questions and access project materials during the project development process.
The public may provide their comments in a variety of ways. They may call 409-203-3575 to provide verbal testimony beginning at noon on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, through 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023.
Written comments can be mailed to TxDOT Beaumont District Office, C/O Jason Hightower, Re: SH 63/LA 8 Bridge at Sabine River, 8350 Eastex Freeway, Beaumont, TX 77708 or submitted by email to bmtprojects@txdot.gov. Comments may also be submitted at www.txdot.gov and, in the keyword search box in the upper-right-hand corner, enter “Historic SH 63/LA 8 Bridge.” All comments must be received on or before Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, to be included in the Public Hearing Summary Report, which will be posted online once prepared.
If you have any general questions or concerns regarding the proposed project or public hearings, please call 409-898-5732 or email bmtprojects@txdot.gov.
