BEAUMONT, Texas — The Beaumont district of the Texas Department of Transportation is preparing to begin the largest project it has ever taken on in terms of money.
The project will cost $500 million.
The project is happening, but the state hasn't decided on all the details. The I-10 Beaumont rebuild won't start until 2021.
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A public forum was held in Beaumont on Tuesday night. Judging by the turnout at the TxDOT forum, people are already paying attention.
"We are concerned, as anyone would be, who is dependent on public traffic, said John Swift, a business owner along I-10, between College and Washington.
His biggest concern about the huge project is the construction. He believes the traffic could hurt his business.
"We have seen construction in the Vidor area for, almost, it seems like 15 years," Swift said.
The five mile project would focus on the Cardinal Drive and Eastex interchanges, and the stretch in between.
The expansion would include widening parts of the interstate to six lanes as well as improving exits and ramps.
"In the near future they are closing exits, we are going to have zero access to it," Gwen Withrow said. "I'm a little worried about that."
She fears the heavy traffic the project construction would create, yet she knows the rebuild may be worth it.
"I think it will be okay, but I am a little worried about what it will be like getting around Beaumont with the construction," Withrow said.
Swift says a little more room for drivers is never a bad thing.
"The way those exits were installed at Interstate 10, it's pretty difficult to get on and off," Swift said.
A TxDOT spokesperson says they'll have another public meeting this fall.