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DIBOLL, Texas (KETK) – The Texas Department of Transportation is nearly done with construction of the Diboll Relief Route, which will open to southbound traffic for the first time this week.

The Diboll Relief Route was first researched by TxDOT in the 1990’s as a way to improve safety and traffic flow on U.S. Highway 59 near Diboll. After completing environmental studies for the route in 1999, the project reached a standstill because of budget constraints.

Development was revived in 2013 by the I-69 Angelina and Nacogdoches Counties Committee. Construction on the route then started in 2020 after Sacyr Construction USA LLC. was awarded the $140.1 million project.

The main southbound lanes of the route will start to see traffic on Thursday as workers start the process of switching the current lanes onto the new interstate lanes. To make the switch, lane closures will be done near FM 2108 in Burke at White Oak Creek, south of Diboll.

“Travelers heading into Diboll along BUS 59, or to Connor Road will be redirected to take the FM 2108 exit,” TxDOT Lufkin said. “Signs will be in place to direct them to the appropriate route.”

TxDOT advised drivers heading to the airport to follow existing detour signs. TxDOT asked that drivers pay attention to any new signage installed along roadways near Diboll and to watch for workers moving equipment near the relief route.

The northbound lanes of the relief route are expected to be opened to traffic by the end of May. According to TxDOT, the Diboll Relief Route will help US 59 meet the standards needed to have the highway designated as part of Interstate 69.

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