LUFKIN – The Texas Department of Transportation reminds motorists driving US 59 on Lufkin’s south side to use caution when traveling through the area as the construction project to improve safety and mobility concerns continues. Right now, the contractor, Zachry Construction, is working in several areas from the east Loop 287 frontage road to the Whitehouse/Daniel McCall Underpass.

According to TxDOT spokesperson Kathi White, overall things are progressing well.
“There is a lot going on in every direction of this project but traffic is adjusting every step of the way, particularly with the reduction of the eastbound frontage road,” White said. “We want to encourage the traveling public to stay focused on their driving, making sure to be cautious and courteous. This project is still in the infancy stages with a lot of work ahead, so patience and safety are very important components.”

As a reminder, eastbound traffic is reduced to one lane from US 59 at the Loop to just past Tulane Drive. White said there will be some upcoming closures, including one at the Whitehouse/Daniel McCall Underpass.

“We expect to begin another night time operation around July 15 to repair the bridge deck, and in a couple of weeks we're looking at more night work to take down a sign on the Loop,” she said. “Again the closures will occur from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. We will have more specific information on this in the coming days.”

Work continues on the southbound and northbound frontage roads with the contractor working to get driveways opened. Construction in the Tulane Drive area is expected to begin in August, closing the Tulane Drive Bridge for 18 to 24 months.

Motorists should allow extra time to reach their destinations and take alternate routes when possible. TxDOT urges the traveling public to be patient, observe all warning and detour signs and to watch for construction personnel and equipment in the work area. Remember, traffic fines double when workers are present.

For more information, call Kathi White, public information officer, at (936) 633-4395 or David Collmorgen, Lufkin area engineer, at (936) 633-4331. Information about TxDOT is also available through the department’s website at www.txdot.gov.