Lufkin, October 16, 2025
News Summary
Residents in Lufkin express diverse opinions regarding ongoing construction projects aimed at improving safety and accessibility. The Texas Department of Transportation is tackling several projects, including the State Loop 287 Improvement Project and FM 324. While some locals support the initiatives despite temporary inconveniences, others voice concerns over increased traffic congestion. In addition, the Gaslight Boulevard Rehabilitation Project is facing delays, and a recreation center is under development, promising family-friendly entertainment.
Lufkin’s Ongoing Construction Projects Spark Mixed Reactions Among Residents
Residents of Lufkin are experiencing a mix of emotions regarding ongoing construction projects aimed at improving safety and accessibility throughout the city. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is currently working on several projects, including an 18-month State Loop 287 Improvement Project and a two-year project on FM 324.
Local resident George Deckard, who has lived in Lufkin for eight years, supports the construction despite the current inconveniences. He feels the long-term benefits will outweigh the temporary disruptions. Deckard, who lives near State Loop 287, has expressed concerns about the safety of entering the loop from Southwood and Feagan due to risky traffic patterns that have caused several accidents. As a result, he has taken to avoiding the loop in favor of safer nearby routes.
The TxDOT has initiated the SL 287 Improvement Project to address these safety concerns. The project will add two lanes—one for each direction—starting from U.S. 59 and extending to Copeland Street. In addition to increasing lane capacity, the project will also involve resurfacing the roadway, improving overall travel quality.
Meanwhile, less than 10 miles away, construction is underway on FM 324 (Southwood Drive), which includes replacing a bridge over Hurricane Creek and adding a new bridge over train tracks. This project aims to widen the roadway to comply with updated safety standards.
Tim Monzingo, the public information officer for TxDOT, acknowledges that the construction has initially increased traffic congestion and the presence of large trucks in the area. Residents are advised to exercise patience and allow extra travel time while these projects progress.
Additionally, the Gaslight Boulevard Rehabilitation Project has encountered some issues, halting construction since late June. Unexpected problems with subgrade conditions and required changes to the stormwater drainage system have delayed progress. The project aims to enhance safety for both drivers and pedestrians, converting the road from four lanes to five while also updating streetlights and sidewalks. City Engineer Chris Key has emphasized that resolving these drainage issues is essential before construction can continue.
The project’s contractor, Langston Construction, is tasked with making the necessary repairs. Originally estimated at around $4 million, the costs may increase due to the additional work required.
A tragic incident in a separate construction zone on U.S. Highway 59 added more concern for residents when pedestrian Nathaniel Jared Yinger was struck and killed by a semi-truck after exiting his disabled vehicle. This event has prompted ongoing investigations by the Texas Department of Public Safety and the local sheriff’s office, with no charges anticipated against the truck driver involved.
Despite the disruptions caused by construction projects, Lufkin is also seeing some positive developments. A new family-friendly recreation center named Rec and Relax is under development, promising to offer arcade games and mini-golf. Construction began in November 2022 but has faced delays primarily due to weather conditions and the need for a detention pond. The owner, Ty Shafer, remains optimistic that the facility will be completed by September 2024, aiming to create a versatile entertainment space for families.
As Lufkin continues to navigate through these ongoing changes, the community remains engaged, weighing the pros and cons of the various construction projects shaping the future of the area.
FAQ
What is the State Loop 287 Improvement Project?
The State Loop 287 Improvement Project is an initiative by TxDOT to enhance safety and accessibility by adding two lanes and resurfacing the road from U.S. 59 to Copeland Street. The project is expected to take 18 months.
How long will the FM 324 construction project take?
The construction work on FM 324 is expected to take approximately two years and aims to replace bridges and widen the roadway to meet updated safety standards.
What are the additional features of the Gaslight Boulevard Rehabilitation Project?
The Gaslight Boulevard Rehabilitation Project aims to convert the road from four lanes to five, upgrade streetlights, and improve sidewalks, focusing on enhancing safety for both drivers and pedestrians.
What is the Rec and Relax recreation center?
Rec and Relax is a new family-friendly recreation center being developed in Lufkin, featuring arcade games and mini-golf. Construction began in November 2022 and is projected to be completed by September 2024.
Project Name | Description | Duration | Key Features | Estimated Cost |
---|---|---|---|---|
State Loop 287 Improvement | Enhance safety and accessibility | 18 months | Add two lanes and resurface | N/A |
FM 324 Construction | Widen roadway and replace bridges | 2 years | Meet updated safety standards | N/A |
Gaslight Boulevard Rehabilitation | Improve safety for drivers and pedestrians | Ongoing | Convert to 5 lanes, upgrade streetlights, and sidewalks | Approx. $4 million (subject to change) |
Rec and Relax | Family-friendly recreation center | Projected completion by September 2024 | Arcade games and mini-golf | N/A |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- KTRE: Lufkin Construction Raises Traffic Concerns
- Wikipedia: Lufkin, Texas
- KTRE: Gaslight Boulevard Construction Set to Resume
- Google Search: Lufkin Construction Projects
- Lufkin Daily News: Pedestrian Dies in Construction Zone
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Safety
- KTBS: Construction Worker Killed in Crash
- Google News: Lufkin Traffic Accidents
- KTRE: Rec & Relax Facility Delays
- Google Scholar: Construction Safety

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