September 1, 2015 - LUFKIN – The Texas Transportation Commission last week approved 91 construction projects statewide totaling more than $535 million, and includes five within the Lufkin District that total $16.8 million.
Of the 91 projects, 22 were approved using $304 million of Proposition 1 funding. Two Lufkin District projects were included in the latest round of Proposition 1 funding and totaled $11.7 million. The funds are used for roadway construction, restoration and rehabilitation and will improve mobility, safety and connectivity.
“The Commission and TxDOT continue to deliver needed transportation projects that will greatly benefit Texas drivers and the state’s economy,” said TxDOT Executive Director LtGen Joe Weber, USMC (Ret). “The message from community leaders and local planning organizations, as well as the message sent by voters when they approved Proposition 1 last November, is that transportation concerns must be addressed in a manner that is both efficient and effective. Our efforts continue to prove we hear and understand that message.”
The two Proposition 1 projects approved in the Lufkin District were:
A $7.3 million construction project in San Augustine County designated to add passing lanes and reconstruct the roadway on US 96 along a 6.1 mile section from the Shelby County line to FM 3451. Moore Brothers Construction Company will serve as contractor.
A $4.4 million construction project in Trinity County that includes pavement reconstruction on a portion of US 287 from Harrison Street in Groveton to FM 355; and a pavement reconstruction on US 287 from FM 355 to Vickery Street in Groveton. Smith & Company will serve as contractor.
Other approved projects for the Lufkin District included bridge replacements and approaches in Polk, Nacogdoches and Shelby counties. Those bridges set for replacement include:
A $1.9 million project in Polk County that will replace bridges on Leggett Road at a tributary of Big Sandy Creek; on Jack Pate Road at a tributary of McManus Creek; and on East Clamon Road at Bear Creek. Longview Bridge and Road will serve as contractor for the project.
A $1.7 million project in Nacogdoches County that will replace bridges on FM 95 at Parallel Creek; and on FM 95 at Dog Creek. Longview Bridge and Road will serve as contractor for the project.
A $1.3 million bridge replacement in Shelby County on FM 415 at Bear Bayou. Longview Bridge and Road will serve as contractor for the project.
Also approved was $165,000 in grant funding for the Center Municipal Airport that is earmarked for planned airport improvements, including lighting, engineering and design. The project costs will be funded through the city of Center and TxDOT’s Aviation Facilities Grant Program, which preserves and improves the state’s general aviation system.
For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or (936) 633-4395.
