TxDOT is about to begin an exciting project in San Augustine that will change the way motorist maneuver through the historic town.

Ground will be broken Tuesday morning on an estimated $3.9 million project that will reconfigure the circle intersection at U.S. 96 and State Highway 21. The project will redesign the intersection with traffic lights and create a safer area. Completion date is expected to be by late summer.

Mayor Leroy Hughes says the new intersection is exciting and will be big change for his city. "This will dictate the foot-print of San Augustine for years to come."

TxDOT Lufkin District Engineer Cheryl Flood says, "Replacing this obsolete traffic circle with a traditional signalized intersection will reduce crashes caused by unfamiliarity with the traffic movement and uncertainty as to who has the right of way." She urges drivers to be cautious while construction is being performed. Motorist should be prepared to encounter rumble strips, barricades, safety cones and barrels.

A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled at 10:30 a.m. tomorrow at the San Augustine County courthouse to celebrate the beginning of the project.