The Latest on FM 2497, Plus New Detours on Loop 287 in Lufkin
The Texas Department of Transportation is alerting motorists of upcoming work on several sections of Loop 287 in Lufkin that will have an impact on traffic.
But First, an Update on the FM 2497 Construction
This 'Diboll Cut-Off' project has been a headache to everyone involved, from the motorists, to the contractor, and to TxDOT. The work of razing and rebuilding the bridge and flood-prone area near Pine Valley Raceway in southern Angelina County was started last September and was projected to be completed in Spring 2022.
The estimated time of completion has been pushed back several times now. The most recent news is that road engineers are hoping that in the next several weeks, one lane of traffic could be opened through the construction area while road crews work to complete the project.
We've included some pictures of the latest look at the construction on FM 2497 later in this post.
New Work and Detours for Loop 287 Near Moffett and Atkinson Drive
Motorists can expect crews working nightly in the coming weeks on a major construction project in Lufkin and an entrance ramp near the construction site to be closed.
Contractors are scheduled to lay concrete paving nightly for several weeks at Loop 287 and Moffett Drive expansion project. In addition, the entrance ramp from Highway 103 to Loop 287 will be closed intermittently as the construction continues. Crews will also be setting a sign bridge across Loop 287 in the construction project in the coming weeks that will require rolling lane closures as the sign bridge is put in place.
“This construction is going well, and the scheduled work will move it forward as we see the expansion project really taking shape,” said Rhonda Oaks, public information officer. “We want motorists to be aware of concrete trucks entering and exiting the job site from Atkinson Drive and stay alert for workers and equipment.”
As lane closures are put into place, motorists are urged to prepare for delays or take alternate routes. Law enforcement will be on site to bring traffic to a rolling stop during the sign bridge installation. Obey all traffic control through this project as work progresses.
Longview Bridge and Road Ltd., Longview TX, is serving as the contractor for the $19.3 million construction project that was designed and is being constructed to meet interstate standards. The project includes reconstructing main lanes and constructing two northbound and southbound frontage roads from the US 59/SL 287 overpass at A&NR Railroad and continuing from Moffett Road to SH 103 East/Atkinson Drive. Construction is expected to be completed in Spring 2023, weather permitting.
New Work and Delays on Loop 287 at Southwood Drive
Motorists can also expect additional delays on Loop 287 this upcoming week as a lane closure is planned on Loop 287 near a busy Lufkin on-ramp that will have traffic slowed or stopped during peak travel hours.
The work is planned near a new apartment construction site on Loop 287 West for August 15 through August 19. The southbound outside lane will be closed near the access ramp at Feagin/Southwood Drive beginning at Southwood Drive and including the overpass. The on-ramp will remain open, and motorists are urged to yield to oncoming traffic in the single lane. Reduce speed and expect delays near the Southwood Drive overpass.
“This is a very busy section of roadway and the access ramp from Southwood Drive headed south toward US 59 will be affected also. Although it will remain open, merging into the single lane will require drivers to stay alert,” said Rhonda Oaks, Lufkin public information officer. “This driveway construction is being done by outside contractors constructing the apartments. TxDOT will monitor traffic and the safety of the closure throughout the week.”
Motorists are urged to stay alert and obey all traffic control in place. Stay alert for yielding, merging, or stopped vehicles. Motorists are urged to allow additional travel time or take alternate routes throughout the week.