The Texas Department of Transportation and Hays County will hold a public hearing Tuesday, March 28 to discuss a proposed $35.5 million project that would widen and realign FM 2001 from I-35 to SH 21.

According to a TxDOT news release, the nearly nine-mile FM 2001 project would connect I-35 to SH 21, and improve safety and mobility. The current project proposal would eliminate the 90-degree turns on FM 2001 and connect the road north and south of SH 21, improving travel times for commuters and emergency vehicles.

The proposed project would require 114 acres of additional right-of-way, five acres of temporary easements and just over five acres of permanent easements. The project would be constructed in phases as construction funds become available.

The project would include urban and suburban road designs, a TxDOT news release states. The urban sections would be located at each end of the project and consist of two lanes in each direction, a raised median, bike lanes and a sidewalk. The suburban section would be located in the middle of the project and consist of two lanes, an outside shoulder in each direction to accommodate cyclists and pedestrians and a center two-way left-turn lane, as well as an allowance for future sidewalks. Project documents, including maps and environmental information will be displayed at the open house.

The meeting, to be held at Studio Estates Clubhouse, 6880 Goforth Road, Kyle, will begin with an open house at 5 p.m. and be followed with a presentation at 6 p.m., after which a public comment session will be held for residents to voice their concerns and opinions.