LUFKIN – Work continues on the US 69 Corridor south of Lufkin between Huntington and the Angelina County line, south of Zavalla, that will widen the two-lane roadway to a four-lane divided highway. The projects are being completed in three phases.

 

Phase One: From Huntington to FM 844, Pinto Construction, Nacogdoches, TX, contractor for the $10.1 million project, worked to extend the four-lane section of highway just south of Huntington. Traffic was switched in July onto new pavement on the west side of the roadway and work began to construct main lanes on the east side. Construction on Phase One is now complete.

 

Phase Two: From FM 844 to FM 1270 in Zavalla, Johnson Brothers, Roanoke, TX, contractor for the $72 million construction project, continues work that includes cement treating the subgrade material, constructing wingwalls, applying safety end treatments and concrete rip rap for bridge construction at the following locations:

 

US 69 at Shawnee Creek, northbound and southbound: Structures on the southbound bridge have been completed and construction of the bridge deck continues. Northbound bridge construction has not begun.

US 69 NB at Wetlands 1 and 2 (north of SH 63): Bridge construction at Wetlands 1 has been completed and crews continue working on bridge railing. Work to complete bridge railing on Wetlands 2 is beginning. Dirt work has begun for Ramp A and beams and panels are being set.
US 69 Overpass at SH 63: Drill shafts have been poured. Work will continue until the bridge structure is complete. Beams are planned for placement in mid-December.
Ramp C and Ramp D at Sandy Creek, south of SH 63: Beams have been set and crews continue to work to pour the bridge deck, railing, and panels.
 

In coming weeks, dirt work for main lanes will begin. Flexible base will be placed and bridge work will continue through the project.

 

Phase Three: From FM 1270 to the Jasper County line, crews have cleared right-of-way and are beginning work to widen the roadway to a four-lane divided highway. Drewery Construction Co., Nacogdoches TX, contractor for the $37.5 million project is scheduled to complete the final phase in early 2023, weather permitting. Phase Three will tie the US 69 South projects in the Lufkin District to the US 69 widening that is being completed by the Beaumont District which will be known as the Big Thicket Corridor.

 

The finished projects will enhance safety, improve traffic flow and provide better connectivity between Lufkin and Beaumont. Motorists are urged to use caution, reduce speed, expect delays and obey all traffic control through the project work zones.