TxDOT provides construction updates

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Lufkin District began sealcoating numerous roads throughout all nine counties Tuesday.

In total, 146.2 miles of pavement on 26 district roads will be treated. In Polk County, work will occur in the following areas: FM 943 from SH 146 to FM 2798; FM 352 from U.S. 59 to County Road (CR) 4209; and FM 2457 from the end of pavement to U.S. 190.

The contract work is a moving operation and will require lane closures. Drivers should expect delays in these areas when work is underway. Slow down when approaching and traveling in the work zone, and stay alert for equipment and workers moving in the area.

Other construction updates include:

• Cable-barrier installation in the median on US 59 will continue along the entire project area between Corrigan and Shepherd in Polk and San Jacinto counties.
• Regarding the Corrigan Relief Route on US 59, crews will set panels and overhangs on the US 287 main lane bridge; set panels on the Union Pacific Railroad north bridge and prep the south railroad bridge for a deck pour; install concrete rail at the Bear Creek bridge; work on the southbound exit and north tie-in; mill sections of US 287; continue earthwork and culvert construction at the south tie-in; install reinforcing steel for bridge decks and roadway in several locations.
• Crews will continue demolition of old guardrails and installing new railing on FM 2610 at Menard Creek. Rebar forms will also be tied.

County road bridge projects include the following:

• Establishing vegetation at Big Sandy Creek on Sunflower Road.
• Fence installation and cleanup at McManus Creek on Kennedy Road.
• Building steel structures for bridge caps at Piney Creek on Carmona Road.
• Fence installation and cleanup at Bluff Creek on Darden Road.
• Debris cleanup and bridge demolition at Piney Creek at Nine Bridges Road.

Project timelines are subject to change due to material availability and weather conditions. TxDOT offices will operate with reduced staff on June 19 in observance of Emancipation Day.

Drivers are urged to remain alert in work zones, obey posted traffic controls, and watch for construction crews and equipment. Remember to move over or slow down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit when passing or approaching law enforcement, tow trucks, utility vehicles, municipal waste trucks, emergency responders, and TxDOT vehicles with activated overhead lights on the side of the road.