April 28, 2015 - Severe thunderstorms early Monday kept TxDOT crews busy working to clear roadways so motorists could arrive safely to their destinations.
“There were multiple reports of downed trees and debris in many roadways throughout our district,” said Rhonda Oaks, public information officer for the Lufkin District. “We had several lane closures and traffic was diverted until debris was cleared. By early afternoon, all roadways were passable. The severity of this kind of weather presents unique and potentially serious problems for drivers. Motorists should remain cautious, alert and always expect the unexpected.”
A summary of damage and TxDOT clean-up efforts in the Lufkin nine-county area included:
Angelina County:
US 69 South: High water in various locations including in the City of Huntington.
FM 3150, SH 94 and FM 324: Trees down in the roadway and high water.
FM 2497: Rising water across roadway.
Nacogdoches County:
FM 343 and FM 226: Trees across roadway
FM 343: Four trees down across power lines at the Rusk County line.
San Jacinto County:
Loop 424, SH 150, FM 222, SH 156, FM 3460, FM 2693, US 190, FM 3128 and FM 2025: Multiple reports of fallen trees across power lines and roadways. Traffic signals out in the City of Shepherd.
Sabine County:
US 96 at Brookeland, SH 21 East at the Louisiana state line, SH 184 at Bronson, FM 83, FM 705, FM 1751, FM 1, FM 2024, FM 3315 and FM 2784: Trees and power lines down on roadways resulting from high wind.
Houston County:
Trees reported down on the northern and eastern ends of the county. Crews were dispatched to begin repairing potholes left by excessive water.
Trinity County:
FM 2781, FM 233, FM 1280, FM 230, FM 358, US 287 and SH 19: Trees down in roadways.
San Augustine County:
US 96, SH 21, FM 2313, FM 95, FM 1196 and FM 2189: High winds and numerous trees across roadways.
Shelby County:
No damage.
For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or (936) 633-4395.
