US 69 Lumberton-Kountze project
TxDOT's Beaumont District is proposing a US 69 relief route that stretches approximately 23 miles from Cooks Lake Road (south of Lumberton) to FM 420 (north of Kountze) in Hardin County. US 69 is a north-south highway that runs from Port Arthur to Denison, Texas and is designated as a hurricane evacuation route.
Project purpose and need
The purpose of the US 69 relief route is to provide a relief route to support safe and efficient north/south movement of people and goods between Beaumont and Woodville. The proposed project aims to do the following:
- Provide an alternate south-north evacuation route for the growing population of Hardin and adjacent counties
- Improve safety by providing an updated roadway to reduce congestion on existing US 69
- Address increasing demand from development and freight traffic
Proposed improvements
The proposed project would include a new location roadway that would require 345 feet of right-of-way width. The ultimate roadway will include two 12-foot lanes in each direction, a northbound 13-foot outside shoulder to be used as a hurricane evacuation lane, and a southbound 10-foot outside shoulder. The project will also include a two-lane frontage road in each direction. Truck parking, bicycle and pedestrian accommodations will be considered.
Timeline/next steps*
- Finalize preliminary design and draft environmental assessment – Spring 2025
- Conduct public hearing - Spring 2025
- Finalize environmental assessment and targeted environmental clearance - Winter 2025
- Begin right-of-way acquisition - upon approval
- Finalize design and begin phased construction** - 2032
*All timelines are estimated and subject to change.
**This project will be constructed in phases as funding is made available.
Get involved
- Virtual public meeting with in-person options
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