LOOP 9 UPDATE

Dear Loop 9 Interested Parties:
Just a quick update on the status of the Loop 9 Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) process:
Environmental analysis of the potential alignment alternatives is continuing, as is the refinement of the conceptual designs of those alternatives.
We expect to announce a public meeting in the upcoming weeks so the public can view and comment on the updated findings of the DEIS.
Project overviews, maps and more information is available from the study website http://www.loop9.org. This site includes a map showing the 2 alignment alternatives, locations where Loop 9 would connect to crossing highways and major arterials, and locations where minor arterials would cross over or under Loop 9.

Don Koski
Transportation Planner
Dallas County Public Works
411 Elm St., 4th Floor
Dallas, TX 75202
214-653-6417
dkoski@dallascounty.org


Frequently Asked Questions About the Loop 9 DEIS
Q. What is a DEIS?
A. A DEIS – or Draft Environmental Impact Statement – is a federally-required document that provides decision makers with detailed, site-specific information about the potential environmental impacts of a proposed action (such as a new highway or toll facility) and alternatives to that action (such as not building), and suggests how adverse impacts might be mitigated.
Q. When will Loop 9 be constructed? When will it open to traffic?
A. If approved, the proposed facility would be constructed and opened to traffic in the 2012-2015 time frame.
Q. Which roads will access the tolled facility? Which roads will connect across Loop 9? Which
roads will get cut off?
A. All U.S. highways, state highways and FM roads will have access to the tolled facility. Major arterials (identified as such in local thoroughfare plans) will connect over or under Loop 9. Local streets and collectors are currently being planned to “T” into the access roads to maintain access to properties.
Q. Is Loop 9 a part of the Trans-Texas Corridor-35?
A. Loop 9 is being studied as a potential connector to the Trans-Texas Corridor. Loop 9 is also being considered by the North Central Texas Council of Governments as a section of the region’s Outer Loop.
Q. How much Right of Way is needed?
A. A 450' Right-of-Way is the rule of thumb with flaring out to 600’+ at direct-connect interchanges.
Q. What type of facility will Loop 9 be?
A. If approved, the proposed facility type would consist of three mixed auto and truck tolled lanes (with room in the center of the alignment for future separation of tolled lanes for autos and trucks) and three free access lanes on the outside of the alignment.
Q. What happens once the Loop 9 DEIS study is completed?
A. Following the completion and state and federal agency approval of the DEIS, a public hearing will be held to receive comments. Those comments will be addressed and a Locally Preferred Alternative selected. The Final EIS will then be submitted to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for approval of a Record of Decision (ROD).

Questions About Preservation and Acquisition of Right of Way
Q. I am trying to subdivide or sell a piece of property that lies in the path of one of the proposed
alignments. Do I need to disclose Loop 9 to potential buyers? Can TxDOT buy my property now?
A. You are legally required to disclose that your property may be taken if the alignment is selected for the Loop 9 facility. TxDOT cannot begin to purchase right of way until after the Record of Decision is granted by the Federal Highway Administration, which is expected in late 2008 or early 2009.
Q. How much will I receive for my property?
A. As a property owner, you have a constitutional right to receive “just compensation” for the property that will be purchased from you. An independent appraisal of your property would be conducted to determine fair market value.