Buddy Williams
TXDOT Public Relations
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) estimates that on a daily basis, almost 10,000 vehicles are driven on the US 59 overpass just north of State Highway 49 in Jefferson. US 59 also sees its fair share of heavy truck traffic. Much of this section of roadway was constructed back in 1981, so because of the age and heavy usage, that area was naturally targeted for some rehab work.
The project to resurface the section of US 59 from SH 49 to about two miles north of SH 49 got underway in May 2021. First, the contractor, Madden Construction Company, had to do a bit of fact finding. They were required to remove much of the smooth riding surface, known as the asphalt pavement surface, to evaluate the concrete pavement underneath. That portion of the road was not previously visible. Areas for repair were identified and addressed, which accounted for about 60 percent of the time needed to complete the project.
The reason motorists are still currently experiencing a rougher ride in this area is because portions of that smooth riding surface haven’t been replaced yet.
Currently, the joints of the concrete pavement underneath are being cleaned and sealed. Sealing is what prevents water from penetrating the base of the road.
After the contractor finishes sealing the joints of the concrete pavement, the two-mile long project will be topped off with two inches of new asphalt pavement. That work is tentatively expected to start late April.
We must add, that weather can have a great impact on work, so future target dates are all just educated guesses and depend on weather conditions and sometimes, other factors, as well.
For the remainder of this project, motorists can expect daytime lane closures. Work will finish up with the replacement of metal beam guard fence and new pavement markings.
Motorists can tentatively expect a smoother ride on US 59 north of Jefferson by late June, weather permitting.