The Texas Department of Transportation’s Lufkin and Beaumont districts will host an Open House from 4-7 p.m., Sept. 27 at the Shepherd High School Cafeteria, 1 Pirate Lane, Shepherd, Texas. The event will allow the public the opportunity to view the proposed US 59 upgrade from Shepherd to Cleveland (future I-69).
The event will offer maps and exhibits for review by the public in a come and go format with TxDOT officials available to answer questions and explain the project development process. The planned upgrade will meet interstate standards between the city of Shepherd in San Jacinto County and the city of Cleveland in Liberty County.
TxDOT is proposing to upgrade existing US 59 by constructing frontage roads and overpasses from FM 2914 near Shepherd to the north end of the Cleveland Relief Route. The project will meet interstate standards for future possible designation as I-69 and would:
- Enhance safety and improve mobility along US 59
- Provide a more efficient hurricane evacuation route
- Provide system connectivity to I-69 which is a 1,600 mile national highway connecting Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas. I-69 also provides access to inland ports and seaports along the Gulf Coast.
Funding for the preliminary development of this project has been allocated, which includes environmental studies, schematic design and right-of-way acquisition. No construction funding has been identified at this time.
A virtual Open House will be available online for viewing for those unable to attend. Comments will be accepted through Oct. 7. To view the proposed upgrade for US 59 from Shepherd to Cleveland, visit the Lufkin District projects page at http://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/projects/studies/lufkin.html.
