ANDREWS — TxDOT's Odessa District has scheduled a virtual public meeting regarding proposed improvements to Highway 176 in Andrews, Martin, and Howard counties. The virtual public meeting is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021. Following the virtual public meeting, the presentation will remain available for viewing through Friday, Dec. 17, 2021.

The proposed project stretches along Highway 176 from FM 1788 east of the city of Andrews to Interstate 20 in Big Spring in Howard County.

The proposal consists of the following:

• Widen this portion of Highway 176 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 53 miles long. 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 176 East.” The online meeting room will open at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021, and be available through Friday, Dec. 17, 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 176 East”.
• Map found within virtual public meeting room. 
• Email: SH176East@cdandp.com.
• Mail comment form to: SH 176 East Project Team, PO Box 5459, Austin, TX, 78763.

Comments must be received or postmarked by Friday, Dec. 17, 2021, to be included in the official record of this virtual public meeting.

If you need additional information, please call the project team at (432) 235-0106 or email SH176East@cdandp.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.