Construction on FM1878/Starr Avenue is continuing as crews work to construct curb and gutter and prepare for a second layer of asphalt to be placed next week.
The $1.4 million project was originally expected to be completed by early March but utility relocation has caused the completion date to be reset for mid to late April.
The construction project will rehabilitate and upgrade a section of the roadway from North Street (BU59) to Clark Boulevard and includes widening the roadway from two to four lanes, six-foot sidewalks and ADA curb ramps to accommodate pedestrians. The widened roadway will consist of four 11-foot lanes with 3-foot shoulders. Traffic signals will also be replaced at North Street and Mound Street.
“This project will provide additional lanes of travel and provide greater ease of access near Stephen F. Austin State University, and allows for better maneuverability along Starr Avenue,” said Rhonda Oaks, public information officer with the Lufkin District. “It not only will benefit motorists with two additional lanes of travel, but wider sidewalks will provide access for walkers, joggers and cyclists.”
Starr Avenue has been closed since the project began and TxDOT has worked to lessen the impact on the traveling public during the construction period with hopes of completing the project in an expedited time period.
Motorists are advised to be cautious in the area as workers and equipment work near lanes of travel in close proximity to North Street. Be aware of and obey all signage in the project area and remember traffic fines double when workers are present.
For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or (936) 633-4395.
