LUFKIN – A virtual public meeting will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 13 for a proposed construction project in Nacogdoches County.

 

The project includes the widening of US 259 from SH 204 to the Rusk County line. To attend the public hearing, got to http://txdot.gov and search US 259 Widening. The public is invited to leave comments on the proposed project.

 

The virtual meeting will consist of a pre-recorded video presentation explaining the proposed project and will include audio and video components along with other exhibits for review. The video will be available for viewing by 10 am on Oct. 13. The public is invited to post comments and take the survey. Formal comments may be provided by mail, email or online and must be received by Wednesday, Oct. 28.

 

US 259 serves as an important corridor for rural connectivity, a freight and evacuation route.

The proposed widening includes:

 

• Two 12-foot northbound and southbound travel lanes
• Two 10-foot outside shoulders
• One 16-foot center two-way left turn lane
• Typical 200-foot right-of-way width
• One 12-foot acceleration lane for SH 204 traffic heading south on US 259

 

The proposed project is designed to reduce congestion, enhance safety and mobility along US 259 and provide a more efficient hurricane evacuation route.

 

Once public comments are received, TxDOT will begin right-of-way mapping, environmental documentation, engineering plans and estimates. ROW acquisition is estimated to be completed in Spring 2023 with utility relocations beginning thereafter. Necessary permitting and engineering designs are scheduled to be completed in Spring 2024. Construction is anticipated to begin in March 2024. “

 

This proposed project was identified in the TxDOT Unified Transportation Program (UTP) which is a 10-year plan that guides the development of transportation work across the state.  Despite its importance to TxDOT as a planning and programming tool, the UTP is neither a budget nor a guarantee that projects will or can be built.