Proposed Interstate Would Impact Woodville, Groveton and Crockett

Someday, the transformation of Highway 59 into Interstate 69 will be a done deal in Deep East Texas. There are still years of detours, pilot vehicles, and flashing lights to go before that finish line is reached. We have the ongoing projects in Nacogdoches and Corrigan, as well as the numerous projects that are still to come between Livingston and Tenaha.

But Wait... Is Another Interstate Planned For The Pineywoods?

In the summer of 2025, the Texas Department of Transportation released a feasibility study detailing the major positive impacts of upgrading State Highway 287 to an interstate highway by 2050. This study considers the potential economic, military transport, and traffic benefits of a future interstate between Port Arthur and Amarillo. The US 287 Corridor in Texas extends 671 miles from Port Arthur in Southeast Texas to Amarillo. Outside of Texas, US 287 extends into Montana.

What Areas in Deep East Texas Would Be Affected?

Take a look at the map below

Google Maps

In Deep East Texas, U.S. Highway 287 extends through several counties, including Tyler, Polk, Trinity, Houston, and Anderson. That would mean interstate road construction towns such as Woodville, Groveton, Crockett, and Palestine.

A Double Bypass May Be In Corrigan's Future

It appears that Corrigan would get the double whammy. The Interstate 69 bypass is currently under construction there and is expected to be completed in the winter of 2028. If turning U.S. 287 into an interstate becomes a reality, another bypass construction would be in Corrigan's future.

So...What's Next?

Good question. Give credit to the folks from TxDOT who put this study together; it's comprehensive and detailed, and even though it was released in July 2025, I'm sure there are still a lot of questions and paperwork ahead before we need to get concerned about traffic detours in Woodville and Groveton. That being said, I think it's safe to amend Benjamin Franklin's quote to the following: "In this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes...and road construction."