Motorists in the Lufkin area continue to see the $52.1 million Loop 287/US 59 construction project move toward completion and more changes will take place in coming days.
Webber Construction, contractors for the project, will continue to place concrete on the Loop 287 eastbound frontage roads and adjoining ramps. Traffic will be switched to a detour ramp from Business 59 to Loop 287 eastbound just south of the existing bridge.
"We urge motorists to drive with caution through this large construction project as they will begin to see more changes in coming weeks," said Rhonda Oaks, Lufkin District public information officer. "The project is  about 85 percent complete and we are expecting to finish in early 2016. Please stay alert and watch for changing traffic patterns as we get closer to finishing the main lanes."
Nearby on Business 59, the $11.4 million A&NR railroad bridge replacement and underpass construction has work ongoing in the southbound lanes. Austin Bridge and Road Services, contractors for the project, have closed southbound lanes and traffic is narrowed to two-way traffic in the northbound lanes.
"Because of the close proximity of the work to the lanes of traffic, we ask motorists to slow their speeds to about 15 mph through the work area," Oaks said. "This traffic pattern will remain in place for several more months.
Other construction projects and maintenance operations planned for the coming week in the nine-county Lufkin District include:
ANGELINA COUNTY
US 59/FM 2021 in Redland: The overpass/underpass is now open to traffic, but contractor crews continue working on sub-grading on the US59 southbound ramp.
US 69 South: Maintenance crews will continue a hot mix overlay.
Loop 287: Sign repairs in various locations around the loop. Some exit ramps will be closed on the east loop at various times throughout the week for the repairs.
FM 706: Safety treating fixed objects alongside the roadway.
Various locations: Herbicide operations- and patching potholes.
 NACOGDOCHES COUNTY
US 59: Crews will continue the project to install raised medians and work on the retaining wall on the southbound exit ramp and pavement structures on the westbound exit ramps. Utility crews will also continue to relocate throughout the week.

SH 21: The widening project from FM 226 to FM 3276 continues as contractors continue to lay a hot mix surface.

Loop 224: Crews will work on guard rails and culverts from SH 7 East to US 59 South.

US 59 from the City of Garrison south to FM 2435: Mill and inlay operations.

FM 3314: Clean-up through the project area.
SABINE COUNTY
FM 1: Crews are working to complete the installation of a flashing beacon at the railroad underpass.
FM 1592: Safety treating fixed objects, including driveway work, bridge railing and other items.
FM 2784: Crews will be conducting level-up on pavements.
SHELBY COUNTY
US 84 at the TX/LA Bridge: Crews are laying hot mix and concrete paving is expected to begin on the Louisiana side this week. The eastbound bridge deck has been completed.
Loop 500: Maintenance crews will be overlaying just north of SH 7 West as contractor crews for the project work to clean-up the newly opened section of the loop from US 96 to SH 7.
FM 139: Safety treating fixed objects including driveways, cross drainage structures and guardrails.
SAN AUGUSTINE COUNTY
SH 21: Intersection improvements continue as crews work on drainage structures and install curb and gutters. The final surface is expected to be paved in coming weeks.
FM 354: Blading roadway and rehabilitation.
FM 3409: Level up of roadway.
SAN JACINTO COUNTY
FM 946: Guardrail repairs.
FM 1127: Pavement overlay.
POLK COUNTY
US 59: Resurface of roadway.

FM 1316: Road rehabilitation and sign repairs.
HOUSTON COUNTY
US 287 to south of Loop 304: Safety treating fixed objects.
SH  21 from FM 1280 to east of FM 2967: Rebuilding roadway to widen pavement and add passing lanes.
SH 7 from Kennard to east of FM 232: Widening and resurfacing the roadway. Motorists will experience detours, narrowed lanes of travel and a pilot car that will lead them through some construction.
FM 1733: Crews will work to seal the roadway.
TRINITY COUNTY
SH 94: Hot mix overlay will continue from Apple Springs to Groveton.
SH 94 from US 287 to west of FM 358: Safety treating fixed objects.
For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov<mailto:Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov> or (936) 633-4395.