US 59 upgrade Shepherd to Trinity River (future I-69)
Project overview
This project is dedicated to improving safety and mobility along US 59 (Future I-69) from 0.74 mile south of FM 223 (Church St.) to 0.70 mile north of Trinity River in San Jacinto and Polk Counties, Texas.
TxDOT is proposing to upgrade existing US 59 to a controlled access roadway by constructing frontage roads and reconstructing the US 59 mainlanes. The project would improve connectivity, reduce congestion, increase mobility, and enhance safety. It would be designed to meet interstate standards for possible future designation as I-69 and:
- Enhance safety and improve mobility along US 59
- Provide a more efficient hurricane evacuation route
- Provide system connectivity to I-69, which is a 1,600-mile national highway connecting Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas,
- Louisiana, and Texas. I-69 also provides access to inland ports and seaports along the gulf coast
Proposed improvements
The proposed project includes the following:
- Reconstruction of US 59 mainlanes to provide four 12-foot travel lanes, two in each direction, four-foot-wide inside shoulders, and 12-foot-wide outside shoulders; divided by an 88 to 95-foot-wide grassy median
- Construction of one-way northbound and southbound frontage roads with two 12-foot lanes, four-foot inside shoulders, and 10-foot outside shoulders from FM 223 to Trinity River (may include note of small section of southbound FR that is not continuous)
- Construction of 6-foot sidewalks along the frontage roads from FM 223 to Lake Pool Road
- Construction of bridges over the Trinity River, Big Creek and other waters of the U.S. Turnarounds (U-turns) would be provided at the Trinity River
- Construction of overpasses with turnarounds (U-turns) at FM 1127, FM 223 (Church Street) and Lake Pool Road/SL 424 intersections
Project timeline
- Schematic and environmental studies began in 2020. TxDOT received environmental approval on April 14, 2025, and schematic concurrence in April 2025
- Right-of-way acquisitions will begin fall 2026 and are anticipated to be completed in winter 2028
- Detailed engineering plans, environmental permits, and utility relocations are anticipated to be completed in spring 2029
- Construction is anticipated to begin in 2030