Representatives with the Texas Department of Transportation-Beaumont District (TxDOT) say that the agency is actively working on getting a contract to make temporary repairs on FM 787, focusing on the east and west bridge approaches over the Trinity River.
These repairs aim to mitigate the current detours motorists are experiencing and restore more direct routes for travelers. While the temporary repairs are in progress, TxDOT will continue working on a comprehensive long-term solution to ensure the sustained safety and functionality of the bridge.
The Trinity River bridge along FM 787 in Romayor has been closed since May 7, 2024, after flooding washed out the approaches. Originally constructed in 1976 and extended in 2003, the bridge previously experienced a prolonged closure from May 2019 to Summer 2022 due to a washout on its east side. As a result of the most recent washout, residents in the area are forced to take lengthy detours.
“After further evaluation, it has been determined that both eastbound and westbound approaches have sustained damage due to the extreme rainfall in April and May. We are working on a timeline for repairs but do not have an estimated completion date at this time,” said TxDOT spokesperson Tanya Avila in a Bluebonnet News article in June 2024.
According to the TxDOT website, the bridge is expected to remain closed until January 2025, though officials currently lack a specific timeline for repairs.
In May, flooding briefly prompted the closure of the US 90 bridge in Liberty. Fortunately, that closure lasted only a couple of days until the water receded enough for an inspection of the bridge. For those fretful days, the only bridge across the Trinity River in Liberty County was the SH 105 bridge. On Wednesday, June 5, the SH 105 bridge in the Moss Hill area was closed for several hours while crews removed debris that had collected by the bridge supports. It reopened by Wednesday afternoon, June 5.
Regarding the FM 787 bridge, TxDOT has stated that due to the migration of the Trinity River, the only long-term solution involves relocating the bridge. The bridge is currently located in a bend of the river.
When asked about the possibility of TxDOT participating in a town hall meeting with residents impacted by the storm, Avila referred all further questions to TxDOT’s social media pages where updates will be posted as warranted.
“We understand drivers are frustrated with this road being unavailable, but we appreciate their patience as the safety of the traveling public is of the utmost priority for TxDOT,” said Avila.
Txdot liberty crew had know the repairs in 2019 would not work u have a contractor and txdot engineer a book worm not a hands on lived here 40 years and knows about this river
It’s not that long of a span, why not build a suspension bridge?