The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is alerting East Texas motorists of a change coming soon for the Highway 69 construction zone between Zavalla and Huntington. The change, by the way, is definitely a step in the right direction.

On Tuesday, March 1, a traffic switch is planned for Highway 69, weather permitting. The traffic switch will allow southbound drivers across the median into two lanes of travel between FM 844 and FM 1270. Northbound traffic will still be limited to the single-lane currently in use on the northbound side of the roadway while paving work continues.

Currently, travel through this section of roadway is in a two-lane traffic pattern, but after the traffic switch north and southbound traffic will be separated by the median.

“We are continuing in the final phase of construction and this project continues to progress to completion,” said Rhonda Oaks, public information officer. “We encourage motorists to stay alert to this change in traffic patterns, especially drivers entering the roadway from county roads or private drives. Exercise extra caution before entering lanes of traffic.”

Motorists should obey all traffic control through the work zone, reduce speed and stay alert to moving equipment and workers near travel lanes.

In other news from TxDOT, a school zone is being extended in Shelby County after approval by the Texas Transportation Commission in December.

Work will begin to extend a 35 mile per hour school zone speed limit southward on Highway 87 in Shelbyville. The speed limit will remain 35 mph for .7 miles then go to 60 mph for .2 miles before returning to 70 mph.

The school zone flasher will be set indicating the longer school zone. Once flashers are set, the “End School Zone” signage will be moved to indicate the change. Enforcement begins once work is completed and signs are set.

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