Traffic Switch and a Closure Planned This Week for Highway 59 Construction

The construction continues to take shape just North of Lufkin on Highway 59 as the diamond interchange project continues to move forward.  This week, possibly by Wednesday, TXDoT officials anticipate some traffic changes to be made. 

The following is taken from their press release:

FM 3439/Spence Street access to northbound U.S. 59 will be permanently closed as early as Wednesday, weather permitting. The roadway will be closed to northbound thru traffic as work to build the future U.S. 59 southbound mainlanes begins. Watch for temporary lane closures during this set-up.

“Only right turns will be allowed onto FM 3439/Spence Street from U.S. 59 from now on,” said Kathi White, TxDOT spokesperson. “There will be no access to Spence Street for U.S. 59 northbound traffic at this location once the closure is in place. Traffic will be allowed to make right turns onto U.S. 59 once work in the area is completed.”

Motorists traveling southbound U.S. 59 should also be prepared as traffic is moved to a newly constructed portion of roadway just south of the Union Pacific Railroad where the crossover was removed at FM 3521. Traffic is expected to be shifted at that location late next week.

Work continues off the travel lanes as well with the contractor digging a five-acre detention pond, and moving dirt to build the new U.S. 59 northbound and southbound mainlanes. Work is also ongoing on retaining walls for the Moffett Road overpass. Here’s a look at what’s going on in other areas of the project:

Construction of the U.S. 59/Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) overpass:

• Bridge caps and retaining walls are under construction. This section of U.S. 59 will span over the railroad.

Construction of the U.S. 59 mainlanes and bridges:

• Drill crews are currently constructing concrete foundations for the new multi-span U.S. 59 north and south direct connector bridges.
• Bridge columns and caps are under construction.
• Earthwork is taking shape for the new mainlanes.

Frontage Roads:

• Dirt work ongoing for westbound frontage road.

Work on the $52 million-plus project is expected to be completed in about 30 months. TxDOT encourages drivers to plan ahead allowing extra time or using alternate routes to reach their destinations. Use caution when traveling through this and all work zones. Traffic fines double when workers are present.