TxDOT’s Updated Completion Dates On Highway 59 Projects in East Texas

One day, Interstate 69 in East Texas will be completed, but that day is still far in the future, possibly decades. The network of highways identified to serve as the I-69 system in Texas is nearly 1,088 miles long, requiring the connection of numerous segments of road systems, a few of which are complete, while the majority are not. Those highway sections must connect to or be planned to connect to an existing interstate system section by July 1, 2037. So, yeah...we have a ways to go.

Let's focus on the major construction projects currently underway on Highway 59 within the Lufkin District of TxDOT. What's the latest on their proposed completion?

Nacogdoches (US 59/Loop 224)

This construction has been quite the headache for 10 years, albeit necessary. In 2016, turn lanes and a raised median were constructed, and then on to Phase Two, which included the construction of new US 59 northbound and southbound main lanes that would directly connect to State Loop 224 just south of SH 7, construction of overpasses at Spradley Street, existing US 59, and Old Lufkin Road, and construction of frontage roads for State Loop 224 between SH 7 and BU 59. The video above from EASTEX Photography shows the drone view from mid-December 2025.

Diboll Relief Route

Construction of this 8-mile bypass east of the city of Diboll began in April 2020. The northbound portion of the route was opened to traffic in mid-2025, while traffic was given access to the southbound lanes in the fall of 2025. Construction will continue on the project for a few more months.

Corrigan Relief Route

Construction on this 6.5-mile bypass of Corrigan began in the spring of 2022. This $173 million project is about 2 years away from wrapping up.

Highway 59 Redland Upgrade

Construction for this $63 million project began in the summer of 2022. The main improvements of this road work are to bring US 59 up to interstate standards, including the addition of northbound and southbound frontage roads between Loop 287 and FM 2021. This project is expected to wrap up in less than a year.

Highway 59 Upgrade, Shepherd to Cleveland

This $190 million project brings the roadway to interstate standards. This 6-year construction project began in 2023.

Loop 287 Between College Drive and Business 59

This project is not associated with the Interstate 69 transitioning; however, it does involve a high-traffic area. This project, designed to improve safety and travel, was started in 2025 and will not be completed until 2027.

READ MORE: More Details On The Construction On Loop 287 in Lufkin

What Projects Are Still To Come?

Plenty.

To get Highway 59 up to interstate standards in the Lufkin district will take many years of construction projects. For instance, an overpass at  FM 819 near Angelina College will probably be necessary. Relief routes will need to be built around Garrison and Timpson. Construction on these and many other projects is years down the road.