Excessive rain and flooding were reported again in several areas of the nine-county Lufkin District Thursday, keeping TxDOT crews busy monitoring road closures and flooded areas.
Crews are continuing to make efforts to repair pavement wash-outs that resulted in road closures caused by flooding earlier in the week.
SH 103 West, east of FM 2021, was closed in the westbound lane Wednesday night after a portion of the pavement was washed out making it impassable. Thursday afternoon, excessive flooding made it necessary to close all lanes until flood waters recede from the highway and repairs can be made. Westbound traffic will be diverted northbound onto FM 706, while eastbound traffic will be diverted onto SH 7 at the Angelina County line. Traffic coming from FM 706 West onto SH 103 will be diverted back to the east toward Lufkin.
Crews are continuing to make repairs to a part of FM 2680 as weather allows after a pavement wash-out blocked the roadway on Monday.
“Ongoing weather issues this week have kept our workers busy around the clock,” said Rhonda Oaks, TxDOT public information officer for the Lufkin District. “We are advising motorists to avoid flooded roadways and limit driving during bad weather. Water rises quickly and if you must drive, never attempt to drive through a flooded area or moving water. Just a few inches of water can sweep a vehicle off the road. Drivers should remain alert for road closures and changing traffic patterns. Obey all traffic signs and watch for workers who are monitoring traffic.”
In addition to the closures at SH 103 West and FM 2680, flooded areas and temporary closures from Thursday’s storms included:
ANGELINA COUNTY
US 69 South: Closed due to water across roadway in north and southbound lanes of travel. Traffic diverted through FM 326.
FM 1475 and Tom Holland Road: Closed due to high water.
FM 1271 (Old Union Road): Closed and impassable.
US 59 South at Burke: High water across roadway.
FM 819: Flooded at low water crossings.
FM 2497: Water across roadway 3 miles north of FM 304.
FM 706 at SH 103 West: Flooded in one lane and impassable.
FM 2108: High water across the roadway.
NACOGDOCHES COUNTY
FM 2863 (Press Road): Flooded with 3 feet of water across both lanes.
TRINITY COUNTY
SH 94: High water over roadway in various places.
FM 233: Flooded roadway.
FM 356: Flooded roadway.
HOUSTON COUNTY
Trees reported down, but no road closures or flooding issues.
San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Polk and Sabine counties reported no weather-related issues.
For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or (936) 633-4395.
