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 North Cleveland. 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 seaports along the gulf coast
An open house was held onSept. 27, 2016, and a public hearing was held onMay 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.
Project timeline
- Construction funding was allocated in TxDOT’s Unified Transportation Program and subsequently in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program in 2023
- The schematic approval was received on July 23, 2019, and environmental approval was received on Aug. 14, 2019
- Webber, LLC was awarded the $189.8M project and began construction in winter of 2023. The project is anticipated to be completed in fall 2029, weather permitting.
Construction information
- Converting existing US 59 to controlled-access roadway by constructing two lane northbound and southbound frontage roads
- Reconstructing US 59 mainlanes
- Construction overpasses with turnarounds (U-turns) at Red Road and just south of San Jacinto County Liner
- Addition of U-turn at US59/FM 2914 overpass