Traveling between Lufkin and Ratcliff over the next couple of months may bring about some delays and headaches to your plans.  According to the Texas Department of Transportation, starting next week, work crews will begin to resurface State Highway 7 in Houston County.  This project will require intermittent lane closures and a pilot car to guide motorists through the work zone.

Work is scheduled to restore the roadway with a new surface of asphalt on Highway 7 West from just east of Farm to Market Road 227 (Ratcliff) to the Angelina County line at the Neches River. A speed limit of 60 miles per hour has been set through this 10-mile work zone. Work will begin at the Neches River and move towards the west. Motorists should expect lane closures and delays as a pilot car leads traffic through this area.

This project is expected to be completed sometime in September, depending upon weather conditions, of course.  Moore Brothers Construction Company from Lufkin is serving as the contractor for this road work.  The project is expected to cost $1.1 million.

Motorists are urged to reduce speed, stay alert for moving equipment and workers near the lane of traffic and remember fines double when workers are present. Also, be aware of the 'Slow Down, Move Over' Texas state law. This law requires drivers to move over a lane or slow to 20 mph below the posted speed limit when approaching emergency vehicles, law enforcement, tow trucks, utility service vehicles, TxDOT vehicles or other highway construction or maintenance vehicles using visual signals or flashing lights activated on the roadside.

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For more information about road closures and conditions statewide, visit drivetexas.org.

 

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