An early morning storm with accompanying high winds sent empty railcars tumbling onto the roadway beneath a railroad overpass on Lufkin's Loop 287 Sunday.

TxDOT officials are working to devise a traffic control plan that includes a road closure at the site of the incident on SL 287 between SH 103 West and US 69 North.

The railroad is owned by A&NR Railroad of Lufkin. Barricades are currently set to prevent traffic from entering the area. Two railcars, which are linked to dozens of others, fell to the roadway beneath the railroad bridge.

"Removing the railcars in the safest way possible will require certain things to happen," said Rhonda Oaks, public information officer for the Lufkin District. "Our officials have devised a traffic control plan for motorists until the cars can be removed, and we are hoping that will be by Monday evening. We are waiting on equipment that is being sent from Houston before the cleanup can begin."

Barricades will remain in place and motorists will be detoured until the roadway is cleared. Residents with direct access as well as businesses within the barricaded area will be accommodated to and from their locations.

TxDOT officials also anticipate necessary repairs on the roadway beneath the railcars and will be working to repair and open the section of roadway as soon as possible.

Motorists are advised to follow all detour signs and do not attempt to go around barricades.