ANDREWS — The Odessa District of TxDOT has scheduled a virtual public meeting regarding proposed improvements to Highway 115 in Andrews, Gaines, Martin and Dawson counties. The virtual public meeting is scheduled to begin at noon Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021. Following the virtual public meeting, the presentation will remain available for viewing through Friday, Oct. 15, 2021.

The proposed project stretches along Highway 115 from Highway 128 in southwest Andrews County to Highway 176 west of the city of Andrews and from Highway 176 east of Andrews to Highway 349 in Dawson County. The route also passes through the corners of Martin and Gaines counties. 

The proposal consists of the following:

• Widen this portion of Highway 115 and make it a four-lane divided highway with two lanes in each direction as well as both inside and outside shoulders; 
• Include a wide center median and/or barrier; and
• Provide median openings as needed based on traffic data. 

The proposed project is approximately 55 miles long, with 21 miles being west of Andrews and 34 miles being east of Andrews. It has not been determined how much additional right of way may be required or whether the project will involve construction in wetlands or floodplains.

To log into the virtual public meeting, go to www.txdot.gov and keyword search “SH 115 North.” The online meeting room will open at noon Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021, and be available through Friday, Oct. 15, 2021. The meeting will consist of a virtual room and will include both audio and visual components. The virtual public meeting webpage will feature maps and exhibits for the public to review and comment on. The public may submit comments using any of the following methods: 

• Online comment form found at www.txdot.gov, keyword search “SH 115 North”.
• Map found within virtual public meeting room. 
• Email: sh115n@nancyledbetter.com.
• Mail comment form to: Nancy Ledbetter & Associates, Attn: SH 115 North, P.O. Box 14622, Austin TX 78761.

Comments must be received or postmarked by Friday, Oct. 15, 2021, to be included in the official record of this virtual public meeting. 

If you need additional information, please call project consultant manager Brock Miller, P.E., with RTG Inc. at (512) 605-6878 or email sh115n@nancyledbetter.com to ask questions and access project materials during the project development process.

Following the virtual public meeting, TxDOT will consider public input received, collect and analyze additional data, develop improvement options, and may request additional public input at future public meetings. TxDOT is committed to developing this project in collaboration with the community in a way that meets the project goals while minimizing community impacts.

This project is in the planning stage. No construction funding or construction timeline has been established yet.