LUFKIN - The Texas Transportation Commission on Thursday approved three construction projects for the Lufkin District totaling $4.8 million. The work is slated to begin in late 2015 and early 2016.

"From highways to county roads and the bridges in between, we are dedicated to doing our part to improve the quality of life and economic opportunity for the people of our great state," said Commissioner Jeff Austin III, Texas Transportation Commission.

One project was approved for Nacogdoches County while the other two are located in Houston County.

Kevin Buranakitipinyo, director of construction for the Lufkin District, outlined each project.

"Once these projects are completed they will improve the safety and mobility for the traveling public," he said.

The newly approved projects include:


  *   Nacogdoches County - FM 95: This project will consist of rehabilitating and widening the current pavement structure from 22-feet to 24-feet. Driveways and cross structures will also be safety treated. The $1.38 million project will stretch one-half mile west of US 59 in Garrison to the Rusk County line. Pinto Construction Company will serve as contractor. The project will begin in late Summer or early Fall and should be completed in approximately 10 months.
  *   Houston County - CR 3480 and CR 3615: This $748,567 project is set to replace the bridge and approaches that traverse Big Creek tributary on CR 3480 and Tantabogue Tributary on CR 3615 with concrete bridges that will accommodate a 24-foot roadway. Hartbeat Construction will serve as contractor with work set to begin in early 2016 that should be completed in approximately eight months.
  *   Houston County - FM 227: This project will replace two existing bridges, one at Hickory Creek and another at Hickory Creek Relief with concrete structures that will have 11-foot driving lanes and five-foot shoulders. The $2.6 million project will be led by Pierce Construction, who will serve as contractor. It is slated to begin in early 2016.