LUFKIN, TX A construction project to upgrade concrete rail and metal beam guard fence will continue on SL 287 in Lufkin, Texas, with Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) crews moving to southbound lanes.

Work at SH 103 East/Atkinson Drive will continue as new concrete barrier is constructed. Single lane travel will remain in place for northbound traffic for several more weeks. Work along the southbound lanes of the guardrail at the Moffett Road overpass is complete, and crews are now moving to just south of SH 103/Atkinson Drive and will continue toward US 59 South.

S&J Construction, LLC, Mansfield, Texas, contractor for the $1.5 million construction project, is expected to complete the work in early 2018. Guardrail upgrades will also include Hurricane Creek and Cedar Creek on SL 287/John Redditt Drive and at McCall Creek on US 59 South. The project is designed to upgrade guardrail to current design standards.

"We are currently pouring concrete for the new median barrier over Atkinson Drive and will continue to replace or upgrade the metal guard fence around the southbound side of the loop before moving back northbound in coming months as weather permits," said Rhonda Oaks, Public Information Officer for the Lufkin District of TxDOT. "As crews progress around the loop with this project, we urge motorists to slow down through our work zones and stay alert."