Cleveland Loop Opens

It’s the newest highway in Southeast Texas.

Completed more than five months ahead of schedule, the new Cleveland Loop officially opened to traffic today. Stretching across the southern portion of the city, the new loop addresses congestion and helps bring economic development for Cleveland. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the City of Cleveland says the new loop has far-reaching positive effects for motorists and the economy.

“The new loop marks a major transportation improvement not only for Liberty County, but for the many motorists who travel SH 105,” said Tucker Ferguson, Beaumont District Engineer. “This is a home-run for everyone.”

The approximately $42 million project involved building a new two-lane highway on the southern edge of Cleveland. The entire 5-mile loop stretches from SH 321 on the east side to SH 105 west of Cleveland.

The project was constructed in two phases. The first phase began in March of 2008 and cost approximately $13 million. It involved building a section stretching from SH 321 to FM 1010. It opened to local traffic in April 2011. The second phase began in May 2010 and stretches from FM 1010 westward to SH 105 west of the city. It cost approximately $28 million to construct. Angel Brothers Enterprises built the first phase. Zachary Construction was the contractor on the second portion of the loop.

The new highway is designed to help relieve heavy truck traffic traveling through the downtown portion of the city. The Cleveland Chamber of Commerce and TxDOT say providing an alternative route for trucks will open the downtown area to new development.

The project was originally scheduled to open in late February 2013. However, last year’s drought and an effort to streamline construction pushed the project ahead of schedule.