Motorists will see a new speed limit in effect as they travel US 69 South as crews continue to widen the roadway in a major construction project.
Commissioners approved a reduced speed limit from 75 miles per hour to 60 mph on US 69 from FM 1270 in Angelina County to the Jasper County line. The reduction in speed was warranted to enhance the safety of motorists traveling through the work zone. The speed limit will remain in effect until the construction project is substantially completed. Signs indicating the new speed limit are being set and are enforceable.
Motorists should remain alert for all signage and use caution through the work zones. Obey all traffic control devices and watch for trucks entering and exiting the main lanes and workers and equipment working near the lanes of traffic.
This project includes the widening of US 69 in southern Angelina County from a 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. This phase is now completed.
- Phase Two: From FM 844 to FM 1270 in Zavalla, Johnson Brothers, Roanoke, TX, contractor for the $72 million construction project has worked to extend the four-lane section of highway and construct several bridges. Crews continue to work through this phase.
- Phase Three: From FM 1270 to the Jasper County line, crews continue 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.
Once completed, the US 69 South Corridor in the Lufkin District will connect to the US 69 widening project being completed by the Beaumont District. The roadway will be known as the Big Thicket Corridor. The finished projects will enhance safety, improve traffic flow, provide better connectivity between Lufkin and Beaumont and serve as an evacuation route from the Gulf Coast.
For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or call (936) 633-4395.