The Texas Department of Transportation has two public meetings slated for Dec. 11 and 13 to obtain public feedback regarding the environmental impact of the Hwy. 290 expansion project and the proposed managed lanes design.

The primary focus of the meetings will be to consider changes made to the initial final environmental impact statement and record of decision approved by the Federal Highway Administration in August 2010. Major changes include a redesign on the main lanes and the addition of managed lanes for high occupancy vehicles and toll traffic down the middle of the corridor.

"A re-evaluation is necessary when changes to an approved project occur, as in this case, and TxDOT is currently in the process of preparing the re-evaluation of the federal environmental impact statement," said Karen Othon, TxDOT public information officer. "It will be available in early 2013."

Public meetings are held throughout the planning process of any road improvement project, according to TxDOT, and are intended to gather information from community groups and residents. The open house will present the project information in an open forum style through small presentations, slide shows and one-on-one discussions between residents and agency representatives. Attendees are able to drop in at any time.

Following the first public meeting, TxDOT plans to approve the major investment study before drafting the new environmental impact statement. After the draft is approved, a date for a public hearing will be scheduled by TxDOT.

The total cost for the Hwy. 290 expansion project is estimated at $1.8 billion with construction slated to cost about $1.3 billion, according to TxDOT. As outlined by the memorandum of understanding signed between the state and county in April, HCTRA is dedicated to provide $400 million in funding for the re-design.

The meetings are scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. with an open house followed by a presentation at 7 p.m. and a period for public comments. The two public meetings will be held at the Sheraton Brookhollow at 3000 610 Loop Dec. 11 and the Berry Center at 8877 Barker Cypress Road Dec. 13. Doors open at 6 p.m.