🚧 Ongoing Highway 59 Construction Projects Could Snarl Traffic until 2029 in Our Area.
May 2025
Motorists traveling through East Texas should brace for continued delays along Highway 59, as six major construction projects across the region remain in progress. Overseen by TxDOT’s Lufkin District, these upgrades are part of the long-term plan to transform Highway 59 into part of the future Interstate 69 corridor.
The projects span multiple counties, including Angelina, San Jacinto, and Polk, with work ranging from road widening to interchange development. Officials recently updated construction timelines, and while progress is steady, intermittent lane closures and detours are expected throughout the summer and fall.
Drivers can expect reduced speed limits and delays, especially during peak hours and around heavily trafficked intersections. Weather, contractor availability, and utility relocations could also impact timelines. TxDOT encourages travelers to stay informed and plan alternate routes when possible.
US 59 Upgrade – Shepherd to Cleveland
Start of Construction: Winter 2023
Estimated Project Completion: Fall 2029
Purpose of the Project: Improve safety and mobility along US 59 (future I-69). Meet interstate standards. Increase efficiency as a hurricane evacuation route.
What’s Being Done: Adding frontage roads between FM 2914 and State Loop 573. Reconstructing US 59 mainlanes. Construction of overpasses with turnarounds at Red Road and just south of the San Jacinto County line. Addition of a turnaround at the US 59/FM 2914 overpass.
