Motorists are seeing the $52.1 million BU 59/SL 287 construction project in Lufkin nearing completion, and on Friday new traffic signals on the BU 59 overpass will be activated. Motorists are urged to be cautious.
The traffic signals are located on the access roads that exit SL 287 for motorists wanting to cross over the BU 59 overpass or turn northbound or southbound onto the overpass. During the construction period, motorists have observed stop signs as through traffic on the BU 59 overpass flowed freely. With the activation of the signals, motorists should be aware of the controlled traffic flow.
Webber, contractor for the project, continues to work on the west end of the project to tie new pavement into existing pavement. In addition, main lane striping has been completed and the U-turn bridges are open to traffic as well as the frontage road and exit/entry ramps.
Crews continue to grade nearby ditches for landscaping. Motorists are urged to respect the 45 mph speed limit as they travel through the project as work crews and equipment are still working near lanes of travel. Remember, traffic fines double while workers are present.
“It is very easy on these beautiful completed main lanes on Loop 287 to want to drive above the 45 mph limit, but we still have workers out there and we want drivers to be safe and we want our workers to go home safe at the end of the day,” said Rhonda Oaks, public information officer for the Lufkin District. “With the addition of the new traffic signals on the BU 59 overpass, we urge drivers to use caution and be prepared to slow down and stop at these lights as they exit the loop at the overpass.”
