From Texas Department of Transportation
LUFKIN, TX - The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and its
contractor, Webber, LLC of Houston, announce changes updates for the U.S. 59
North Near-Term diamond interchange project at Loop 287 in Lufkin that will
impact northbound and southbound traffic starting next week. Motorists are
urged to use caution and to allow extra time to reach their destinations as a
traffic switch and a partial road closure are implemented.
According to TxDOT, FM 3439/Spence Street access to
northbound U.S. 59 will be permanently closed as early as Wednesday, weather
permitting. The roadway will be closed to northbound thru traffic as work to
build the future U.S. 59 southbound main lanes begins. Watch for temporary lane
closures during this set-up.
"Only right turns will be allowed onto FM 3439/Spence
Street from U.S. 59 from now on," said Kathi White, TxDOT spokesperson. "There
will be no access to Spence Street for U.S. 59 northbound traffic at this
location once the closure is in place. Traffic will be allowed to make right
turns onto U.S. 59 once work in the area is completed."
Motorists traveling southbound U.S. 59 should also be
prepared as traffic is moved to a newly constructed portion of roadway just
south of the Union Pacific Railroad where the crossover was removed at FM 3521.
Traffic is expected to be shifted at that location late next week.
Work continues off the travel lanes as well with the
contractor digging a five-acre detention pond, and moving dirt to build the new
U.S. 59 northbound and southbound main lanes. Work is also ongoing on retaining
walls for the Moffett Road overpass. Here's a look at what's going on in other
areas of the project:
Construction of the U.S.
59/Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) overpass:
- Bridge caps and retaining walls are under construction. This section of
U.S. 59 will span over the railroad.
Construction of the U.S.
59 main lanes and bridges:
- Drill crews are currently constructing concrete foundations for the new
multi-span U.S. 59 north and south direct connector bridges.
- Bridge columns and caps are under construction.
- Earthwork is taking shape for the new main lanes.
Frontage Roads:
- Dirt work ongoing for westbound frontage road.
Work on the $52 million-plus project is expected to be
completed in about 30 months. TxDOT encourages drivers to plan ahead allowing
extra time or using alternate routes to reach their destinations. Use caution
when traveling through this and all work zones. Traffic fines double when
workers are present.
