LUFKIN, Texas – A water main failure early Thursday afternoon has temporarily halted water service to the hotel district and the On The Road truck stop on the north side of town. The City of Lufkin confirmed that a 16‑inch pipe beneath FM 819 and College Drive, close to the U.S. 59 corridor, split open, forcing the water department to shut off flow while crews work on a fix.
Repair timeline and city response
The city’s Public Works Department estimates that the repair will take roughly twelve hours. Crews have already been dispatched to the break site, and they are mobilizing additional equipment to expedite the job. “Our teams are working around the clock to restore service as quickly and safely as possible,” a city spokesperson said.
Impact on local businesses and travelers
Without water, the On The Road truck stop – a popular refueling and rest stop for long‑haul drivers – is unable to provide restroom facilities or potable water for its patrons. Nearby hotels, which rely on the municipal water system for guest rooms, laundry, and kitchen operations, are also experiencing a temporary shutdown of water service.
Business owners have been advised to conserve any remaining water supplies and to communicate openly with guests about the situation. Many are offering bottled water and alternative restroom options at nearby locations until service is restored.
Safety reminders for motorists
Drivers traveling through the area are urged to exercise caution, especially near the construction zone where crews are active. The city has posted signage and flaggers to direct traffic safely around the work site. “Please reduce speed and follow the directions of traffic control personnel,” the spokesperson added.
What residents can expect
Residents of the surrounding neighborhoods have not reported any loss of water service, as the break is isolated to the commercial corridor. The city’s water department will continue to monitor pressure levels and will provide updates through its website and social media channels.
In the meantime, the city asks the public to remain patient and to avoid unnecessary trips to the affected area until the repair is complete. Once the pipe is sealed and pressure is restored, water service to the hotel district and truck stop should resume without further interruption.
Looking ahead
This incident underscores the importance of maintaining aging infrastructure in East Texas. City officials say they will review the condition of other water mains in the area to prevent similar disruptions in the future. The Lufkin City Council is scheduled to discuss a long‑term infrastructure improvement plan at its next meeting.
Original reporting: KLTV 7 Tyler (news) — read the source article.
