US 259 Widening – SH 204 to Rusk County Line
Project overview
US 259 serves as an important roadway for rural connectivity and hurricane evacuation. TxDOT is proposing to widen US 259 to provide a 16-foot continuous two-way left turn lane and 10-foot shoulders. This project is dedicated to improving safety and mobility along US 259 from SH 204 to Rusk County line due to a high number of traffic crashes.
This project would also:
- Reduce congestion
- Enhance freight mobility along US 259
- Provide a more efficient hurricane evacuation route
Proposed improvements
TxDOT analyzed feedback received from the October 13, 2020 virtual public meeting and made project adjustments which included refining the proposed right of way (ROW), adding right turn lanes at FM intersections, and reconfiguring the intersection of SH 204.
The approximately seven-mile project includes:
- Widening US 259 to provide two 12-foot northbound travel lanes and two 12-foot southbound travel lanes, 16-foot continuous two-way left-turn lane, and 10-foot shoulders
- Expanding the existing right of way by an average of 45 feet
- Reconfiguring and signalizing the SH 204 intersection
- Adding right-turn lanes at FM 2664, FM 1087, and SH 204
Project timeline
- Environmental studies began in summer 2022 . TxDOT received environmental approval in spring 2023
- Right-of-way acquisition began summer 2023 and is anticipated to be completed in winter 2025
- The detailed engineering plans, environmental permitting, and utility relocations are expected to be completed by spring 2026
- Construction is anticipated to begin in fall 2026