The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is proposing alternatives and design options for improving the Crosstown Expressway (SH 286) from South Padre Island Drive (SH 358) to approximately one (1) mile south of Weber (FM 43). TxDOT is evaluating improvements on this highway because future growth in this area could result in increased congestion. Proposed improvements are needed to improve safety and provide better access to areas experiencing growth.
 

On Tuesday, October 2, 2007, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) invited the public to attend an open house to review and comment on proposed alternatives and design options for improving the Crosstown Expressway (SH 286). Held at Corpus Christi District Office Building 2, Training Room, 1701 South Padre Island Drive Open House: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.  — Presentation: 6:00 p.m.

El Departamento de Transportación de Texas invita al público a asistir a una sesión abierta para examinar y comentar sobre alternativas propuestas para mejorar la Autopista Crosstown (SH 286) desde la carretera South Padre Island (SH 358) hasta aproximadamente una (1) milla sur de la carretera Weber (FM 43). El proyecto podría incluir nuevos carriles de peaje pero carriles sin peaje continuarían accesibles. Para más información en español, favor de llamar al (361) 884-5000, ext. 20.
 

Alternatives being considered are a “Build” and “No-Build” Alternative. The Build Alternative could include an additional lane in each direction on the existing Crosstown Expressway from South Padre Island Drive (SH 358) to approximately Saratoga Blvd. (SH 357) and construction of a new highway from Saratoga Blvd. to just south of Weber Rd. (FM 43). This new highway section, possibly similar to the existing Crosstown Expressway, could include main lanes and frontage roads in each direction, on and off ramps, and an overpass (grade separation) at the intersection of Weber Rd. (FM 43). There would also be a transition area south of Weber to merge traffic safely back to the existing SH 286 roadway. The project could be built in phases. The number of new main lanes and frontage road lanes needed initially and in the future is being analyzed. Different designs and locations for any new on and off ramps from Saratoga to past Weber are also being analyzed for the Build Alternative. The No-Build Alternative, which would leave the existing roadway as is, is also being considered. 

No additional right of way (ROW) is anticipated to be required. 

Financing options for the proposed improvements are being evaluated. The proposed new lanes on the existing Crosstown Expressway as well as the new highway section from Saratoga Blvd. to south of Weber Rd. may be electronically tolled in order to help fund the project. The existing main lanes and all frontage roads would remain as non-tolled lanes. While tolls will not completely pay for the project, they could be critical to the funding of the improvements
 

TxDOT is evaluating improvements on this highway because future growth in this area could result in increased congestion. This project is part of a system of improvements being built or considered south of Oso Creek. TxDOT installed a four-way traffic signal at Weber (FM 43) and SH 286. Resurfacing and shoulder improvements on Staples (FM 2444) south of SH 286 are scheduled to begin in the near future. Information on another FM 2444 TxDOT project, which is evaluating additional travel lanes and improvements on FM 2444 from Oso Creek to SH 286, will be available at this meeting. TxDOT will also begin a major planning project next year that will look at the long-term roadway needs in the south side area generally bounded by SH 286, US 77, FM 43, and the Laguna Madre.
 

For additional information about this meeting, please contact Leah Olivarri at (361) 884-5000, ext. 21or leah@olivarri.com.  For those unable to attend this open house, please download the Citizen's Comment Sheet and mail to SH 286 Project, P.O. Box 3706, Corpus Christi, Texas, 78463-3706.