Weekend construction brings Lufkin loop one step closer to compl - KTRE.com | Lufkin and Nacogdoches, Texas

A closure of the north loop in Lufkin will bring the project one step closer to completion.

The total project should be completed by early 2016 pending the winter season.

"You know during the winter months, depending on the weather determines when we will finish," TXDOT spokesperson Rhonda Oaks said. "We're hoping by the end of January, early February"

The loop between Moffit Road and the Timberland overpass will be shut down Friday night starting at 7 and opening Saturday morning at 7. During the closure, crews with TXDOT and Webber Construction will install beams that will be the foundation for U-turn lans on the bridge.

"There will be some really big cranes out here and some heavy equipment," Oaks said. [There will be] lots of workers, everywhere, so the night work made sense. There is also obviously less traffic at night time."

Oaks said crews will be out to help direct motorist through the construction. Drivers going westbound will exit Moffit road and be directed toward FM 2021 and then brought on to the service road. Driver  going east will use the Timberland exit ramp and be directed to the service road.

 After this current closure is completed, TXDOT will shift it's focus to the service road on the westbound side. Oaks said, TXDOT understands the congestion has caused headaches but the roads will be much better once completed.

"It will be so much better for maneuverability through our Lufkin area and around the loop and it will make for safe travels for anyone," Oaks said.