The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) hosted a public meeting July 21 at the Polk County Commerce Center to give local residents the opportunity to view and comment on updated designs for proposed US 59 improvements from 1.25 miles south of US 190 to 1.9 miles south of State Loop (SL)116, and 0.10 miles west of Farm-to-Market Road (FM) 350 North to 0.10 miles east of Briar Way on US 190 in Livingston, Texas.
Many people attended the event in which there were video presentations, hard copies of the material and numerous TxDOT staff on hand to answer any questions.
TxDOT is now seeking feedback on the project. For those unable to attend the July 21 meeting, the materials presented may be viewed online by going to txdot.gov and searching “Livingston Upgrade North.”
TxDOT is requesting public comments by Aug. 7 to be included in the meeting summary. Stakeholder engagement is collected throughout the study process. If you’d like to have your feedback included in the public meeting, please submit by Aug. 7. They will continue to collect feedback throughout the process and everyone is encouraged to share comments on an ongoing basis. You may email comments to Christy Zapata at christy.zapata@txdot.gov or mail her at Christy Zapata – Livingston Upgrade North, TxDOT Lufkin District, 1805 North Timberland, Lufkin, TX 75901.
The US 59 Livingston Upgrade North (future I-69) project is dedicated to improving safety mobility and congestion. It will also provide a more efficient hurricane evacuation route and system connectivity to I-69. The proposed project would involve the reconstruction of US 59 main lanes, ramps and frontage roads to meet interstate standards for potential future designation as I-69. Proposed improvements would also include revising the configuration of the US 190 and BUS 59 interchanges, in addition to new frontage road connections just north of BU 59 North.
The proposed project will also include capacity improvements along US 190 from FM 350 N to Briar Way. The proposed project is 4.9 miles in length and extends from 1.25 miles south of US 190 to 1.9 miles south of SL 116 on US 59, and 0.10 miles west of FM 350 North to 0.10 miles east of Briar Way on US 190, in Livingston, Polk County, Texas. It would include the construction of concrete barrier-divided main lanes along US 59 that consist of four 12-foot-wide travel lanes, two in each direction, 6-foot-wide inside shoulders, and 12-foot-wide outside shoulders.
Northbound and southbound US 59 frontage road construction would include two 12-foot-wide travel lanes with a 4-foot inside shoulder and an 8-foot outside shoulder. A sidewalk would also be constructed along the proposed US 59 frontage roads.
The proposed project would, subject to final design considerations, require additional right of way and potentially displace 20 residences and 21 non-residential structures. These numbers are preliminary estimates only and are subject to change as the project design progresses.
Relocation assistance is available for displaced persons and businesses. Information about the TxDOT Relocation Assistance Program and services and benefits for those displaced and other affected property owners, as well as information about the tentative schedule for right-of-way acquisition and construction, can be obtained from the TxDOT district office by calling 512-500-5250.
The proposed project would involve an action in a floodplain. Any environmental documentation or studies, any maps and drawings showing the project location and design, tentative construction schedules, and other information regarding the proposed project are on file and available for inspection Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at TxDOT Lufkin District, 1805 N. Timberland Drive, Lufkin, TX 75901, 936-633-4418.
If approved, work on the $245 million project is projected to begin in 2032.
