February 23, 2015 - LUFKIN – TxDOT is about to begin an exciting project in San Augustine that will change the way motorists maneuver through the historic town.
Engineers, contractors and other professionals gathered last week at the Nacogdoches TxDOT offices to discuss pre-construction plans for the reconfiguration of the circle intersection at U.S. 96 and State Highway 21.
The project will redesign the intersection with traffic lights and create a safer area. The total project cost is estimated at more than $3.9 million and is expected to be completed by late summer, weather permitting.
“The Lufkin District is excited to kick-off this construction project as TxDOT has been working with the city and county to make these intersection improvements for several years,” said Cheryl Flood, Lufkin district engineer. “Replacing this obsolete traffic circle with a traditional signalized intersection will reduce crashes caused by unfamiliarity with this traffic movement and uncertainty as to who has the right of way. Once the signalized intersection is completed, safety will improve as will mobility particularly during hurricane evacuations. I urge drivers to be cautious while construction is being performed and if possible take an alternate route.”
Construction is scheduled to begin in early March. Motorists should be prepared to encounter rumble strips, barricades, safety cones and barrels and be prepared to slow down or stop as traffic could be diverted through the work zone. Traffic control will be administered by the San Augustine Police Department and traffic fines double when workers are present.
A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled at 10:30 a.m. March 10 at the San Augustine County courthouse to celebrate the beginning of the project.
For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or (936) 633-4395.
