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TxDOT proposes widening FM‑3248 through Brownsville; trail realignment would take 22 feet of Brownsville Historic Battlefield Trail
Summary
Texas Department of Transportation presented a 2.1‑mile FM‑3248 improvement that would realign the Brownsville Historic Battlefield Hike and Bike Trail, remove two parking spaces and replace them elsewhere; commission closed the public hearing and approved the project report.
Representatives from the Texas Department of Transportation described safety and mobility improvements proposed for FM‑3248 (from I‑69E to FM‑1847) and held a public hearing before the City Commission on Aug. 5.
David Van Gorder, a consultant on the project, told commissioners the project length is approximately 2.1 miles and that the Brownsville Historic Battlefield Hike and Bike Trail intersects the project area near its eastern limit. He said the proposed right of way would include about 22 feet of the trail and two parking spaces (including one ADA space) from the trail’s adjacent lot.
TxDOT said the project team is proposing to realign the trail so it will remain functional across a wider roadway, retain the crosswalk across FM‑3248, and connect the trail to a proposed shared‑use path. The agency proposed replacing the two affected parking spaces with two new spaces elsewhere in the lot, including ADA‑compliant ramping.
Because the project affects designated public recreational property, TxDOT said it is conducting required analyses under Chapter 26 of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code and Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act of 1966. TxDOT said it intends to make a de minimis impact determination under federal guidance (23 CFR 774.3(b)) and is completing NEPA and environmental studies; TxDOT said it expects environmental clearance in the coming fall and anticipated construction readiness in early 2029.
TxDOT invited comments and provided a deadline: written comments must be postmarked or received by Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025, to be included in the official hearing record. TxDOT also provided project contacts including project manager Isaac Garza and consulting engineers.
Following the presentation and the public hearing, the commission closed the hearing and moved to approve the project record for inclusion in the city’s comments on the environmental review. The motion carried.
