Local, state, and federal leaders gathered in Cleveland on Thursday, Nov. 13, to celebrate the official unveiling of the I-69 designation for the Liberty County segment of U.S. 59—a milestone more than 30 years in the making.
Although the eight-mile stretch from the Montgomery County line to the north side of Cleveland has been open to traffic for more than two years, final approvals were only completed recently. Federal designation was secured in August, and the Texas Transportation Commission finalized the process in September. With this addition, Texas now has 228 miles of the I-69 Corridor officially recognized as interstate highway.
Polk County Judge Sydney Murphy, chairman of the I-69 Texas Alliance and one of this year’s recipients of TxDOT’s prestigious Road Hand Award, reflected on just how long the region has worked toward this moment.
“It’s been over three decades that we have actually actively been working on I-69,” Murphy said. “The first time I ever heard any discussion of a loop around Diboll, I was pregnant with my oldest child—and he’s 41. So patience pays off.”
Murphy credited the persistent advocacy of State Senator Robert Nichols for helping push the corridor forward. She also emphasized the long-term significance of continuing the work.
“The job’s not done,” she said. “We have to still continue to be invested in I-69 because one-third of the population in the state of Texas lives along the I-69 corridor.”
U.S. Rep. Brian Babin, whose congressional district includes part of Liberty County, said the designation represents far more than a new sign on the highway.
“It’s a tremendous opportunity to see this project starting to come to fruition right here,” Babin said. “This has been going on a long time, and it is stunning to think about just how many projects TxDOT has going on in East Texas and all across our great state.”
Babin called the unveiling “a proud moment,” noting that I-69 has steadily advanced since authorized by Congress in 1991.
“This is a huge milestone for Liberty County,” he said. “It’s a huge milestone not only for Liberty County, but also for Southeast Texas and the entire region.”
He said the interstate system will better connect rural communities, major industries, and Texas families.
“For our region, Interstate 69 is not just about getting from point A to point B faster—it’s about connecting the people, supporting local businesses, and ensuring that rural Texas continues to thrive alongside our growing cities,” he said.
Babin praised local advocacy groups, especially the I-69 Texas Alliance, for decades of sustained work.
“Since 1994, the Alliance has brought together cities, counties, port authorities, and community leaders from all across the state of Texas to build grassroots support for this very project,” he said. “Milestones like this one have become a reality because of their commitment.”
The congressman said the new interstate designation will bring “real tangible benefits,” including improved connectivity, new business attraction, job creation, economic development, higher visibility for Cleveland and Liberty County, and potentially rising property values as growth continues.
“These are not just transportation improvements,” Babin said. “They’re investments in our very future—for your children, for our grandchildren.”
The ceremony concluded with the official unveiling of the I-69 sign, located just north of the US 105 bypass in Cleveland. For more information on the I-69 Alliance, visit: https://www.i69texasalliance.com/
I wish they would’ve called it. I 59 instead of I 69 we already had a US Highway 69.
Already have a IH 59.
Last paragraph, it is Texas 105. Not US 105.