LUFKIN – A portion of FM 2609/Austin Street in Nacogdoches will be closed beginning Thursday for about two weeks as utility companies relocate lines ahead of a construction project that will widen the roadway.
The eastbound lane of traffic from North Street to Raguet Street will be closed daily from 8:30 am through 6 pm so that heavy equipment, bucket trucks and drilling equipment can maneuver safely as utility lines are relocated. There will be signage in place to alert motorists of the closing.
The work is planned ahead of the construction project that will include widening the existing pavement with two 11-foot travel lanes and two 14-foot shared use lanes to accommodate both vehicles and cyclists. Six-foot sidewalks will also be constructed on both sides of the roadway with curb ramps. A traffic signal is also planned at the intersection of Raguet and Austin streets.
This project, once completed, will relieve congestion and improve east/west traffic flow, as well as accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians. Crews have completed right-of-way clearing for the project so that utilities can now be relocated.
As utility crews work in the area, motorists are urged to stay alert to moving equipment, obey signage and reduce speed.
For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or (936) 633-4395.
