Section of U.S. 175 in Henderson County Open to Traffic

LaRUE – Crews have completed repair work on a seven-mile stretch of U.S. 175 between Baxter and LaRue, east of Athens in Henderson County, and the roadway is open to traffic. That portion of the highway sustained major damage last weekend when rainstorms caused a washout of the embankment and slope. TxDOT says repairs included removing part of the mainlanes, drying out and strengthening the subgrade, drainage work, and rebuilding the mainlanes. The 10-mile detour from FM 804 at Baxter to LaRue added three miles to travelers’ commutes to avoid 175.

The closure was located within the Phase I U.S. 175 Expansion project that runs from FM 804 near Baxter southeast to 1.1 miles east of Loop 60E at LaRue. TxDOT says the contractor will now resume work at the construction site. The $39.2 million project expands 175 from two lanes to a four-lane divided highway with a depressed median. Completion is expected in November 2018.