US 59 Upgrade Shepherd to Cleveland (Future I-69)

This project is dedicated to improving safety and mobility along US 59 (Future I-69) between Shepherd and Cleveland.

TxDOT is proposing to upgrade existing US 59 by constructing frontage roads and overpasses from FM 2914 near Shepherd to the north end of the Cleveland Relief Route. The project would be designed to meet interstate standards for possible future designation as I-69 and would:

Enhance safety and improve mobility along US 59
Provide a more efficient hurricane evacuation route
Provide system connectivity to I-69 which is a 1,600 mile national highway connecting Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas. I-69 also provides access to inland ports and sea ports along the gulf coast

An open house was held on Sept. 27, 2016 and a public hearing was held on May 14, 2019, to gather local input on the proposed improvements to US 59. The Lufkin District used findings from various technical reports and public feedback to finalize the schematic and complete environmental documentation.

Next Steps

The schematic approval was received on July 23, 2019 and environmental approval was received on August 14, 2019.
TxDOT has almost completed right of way (ROW) mapping and approval to utilize the early acquisition process allowed the Lufkin District to begin ROW acquisition prior to environmental clearance. ROW acquisition is estimated to be completed as of summer 2021. Once ROW acquisitions are complete, utility relocations will begin.
Detailed engineering plans are under development. Detailed engineering plans, necessary permitting, and utility relocations are expected to be completed in early 2023.
Construction funding was identified in TxDOT’s Unified Transportation Program (UTP) with an estimated construction start date set in spring 2023.

Get Involved

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Contact Us

I-69 Project Manager
TxDOT Lufkin District
1805 N. Timberland Drive
Lufkin, TX 75901

(936) 633-4469
Email