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 environmentalumentation.
Next steps
- Construction funding was allocated in TxDOT’s Unified Transportation Program and subsequently in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program with proposed construction start in 2023.
- The schematic approval was received on July 23, 2019, and environmental approval was received on August 14, 2019.
- Detailed engineering plans, necessary permitting, right-of-way acquisitions and utility relocations are expected to be completed in early 2023.
- The project is currently scheduled to go to bid in 2023.
Get involved
- Notice of Availability for Finding of No Significant Impact
- Open House - Sept. 27, 2016
- Public Hearing - May 14, 2019