► TxDOT continuing to deliver fuel to motorists
► Major highways heavily congested
The Texas Department of Transportation is strongly urging local East Texans to stay at home as emergency personnel continue efforts to rescue stranded motorists and move traffic as Hurricane Rita nears. Major highways leading evacuees north through the Lufkin area remain heavily congested.
“We have fuel trucks in locations and they are trying to get to everyone,” said Kathi White, TxDOT spokeswoman. “Motorists should be reminded that if a fuel truck passes them, they’re likely out of fuel and are going to refuel. It is extremely important that everyone exercise patience as we work to get people off the roadways and out of harms way.”
Stranded motorists are asked to raise their hoods and fuel crews will get to them if and when they can.
Roadway updates include:
U.S. Highway 59 is one-way north only to Lufkin. Heavy congestion.
U.S. 69 south of Lufkin is also operating one-way north. The highway is also very congested as traffic continues to stream in from the Beaumont-Port Arthur area.
U.S. 96 is also one-way and heavily congested.
SH 87 (Sabine County) is flowing well but also congested.
Source: TxDOT Lufkin Office – contact Kathi White at (936) 633-4395 for more information.
