The Texas Department of Transportation will be starting a project to rehabilitate the existing roadway on SH 159 from BS 71E to SH 237 on Monday, June 3, weather permitting. In order to replace several drainage structures, SH 159 will be closed intermittently over approximately six weeks beginning on Monday, June 3. The road closures will take place in between SH 71 and SH 237. Below are the dates and approximate duration of the SH 159 road closures (weather permitting) that will take place over the course of six weeks:
• SH 159 Road Closure - Monday, June 3 to Saturday, June 8.
• SH 159 Road Closure - Monday, June 10 to Friday, June 14.
• SH 159 Road Closure - Monday, June 17 to Saturday, June 22.
•SH 159 Road Closure - Monday, June 24 to Thursday, June 27.
• SH 159 Road Closure - Monday, July 1 to Wednesday, July 3.
• SH 159 Road Closure - Monday, July 8 to Friday, July 12.
While the SH 159 detour is in place, the contractor may utilize 24-hour operations to replace the existing drainage structure in an effort to get the road back open to the traveling public.
The SH 159 detour is anticipated to be in place intermittently over sixweeks.
The project will rehab the existing roadway, ultimately providing five feet to eight feet of shoulders and two and a half feet of travel lanes for this proposed section of roadway. The project also includes replacing or widening several centerline drainage structures.
Hunter Industries, LTD, was awarded the contract with a bid of $21.4 million. The project duration is approximately 16 months (weather permitting).
Motorists should expect possi- ble traffic delays, are urged to use caution when driving through the work zone, and should keep the following tips in mind:
• Slow down and always follow posted work zone speed limits. Speeding is one of the major causes of work zone crashes. Remem- ber, traffic fines double in work zones.
• Pay attention. Workers and heavy equipment may only be a few feet from passing vehicles.
• Be patient. Delays from roadway construction can be frustrating, but it only takes a few extra minutes to slow down for a work zone.
