The DCCM team designed a 10-mile schematic and environmental project in Leon County. The project consisted of widening US 79 from a two-lane section to a four-lane divided section from west of Jewett at FM 1512 to Buffalo. This project developed three alternatives and refined the preferred alternative based on stakeholder input from two public meetings, environmental constraints, and limited right-of-way (ROW). The team worked on developing all environmental technical reports required to obtain environmental clearance for ROW acquisition and utility relocation before the final design.

One project challenge involved reintroducing a relief route around the City of Jewett during the 90% schematic design. The DCCM team collaborated with the Emerging Technologies group to devise potential relief routes and create exhibits for the upcoming public meeting. Additionally, the DCCM team generated 3D renderings for downtown design options and collaborated with the City of Jewett to gain consensus from key stakeholders. Another challenge involved two grade-separated railroad crossings with BNSF and UPRR. The UPRR crossing featured a rail siding to the Nucor Corporation plant. To address this, seven alternatives were developed to convert the Nucor Corporation at-grade crossing into a grade-separated crossing, ensuring access to Nucor Corporation plants and CR 347. In coordination with Nucor Corporation and TxDOT, the team worked to find a design solution that accommodated all parties while minimizing interchange construction costs.