Town hall meeting to discuss FM 787 bridge closure set for Aug. 15 in Rye

This aerial photo was shared with Bluebonnet News by Dr. Jimmy Smith of Artesian Lakes Resort. It shows the collapse of a section of the FM 787 bridge in Romayor.

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has agreed to participate in a town hall meeting in the Rye/Romayor area to address community concerns regarding the closure and ongoing repairs of the Trinity River Bridge on FM 787 in north Liberty County.

The bridge has been closed since May 2024 due to major flooding that washed out its approaches, causing significant disruption for local residents.

Initially, TxDOT officials were reluctant to engage directly with the community through a town hall meeting. They had suggested residents seek updates via their social media channels on X and Facebook. However, Nancy Murphy, a local resident impacted by the bridge’s closure, refused to accept this limited form of communication. Murphy’s persistent efforts have now led to TxDOT agreeing to the town hall meeting.

The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 15, from 7 to 8 p.m. Murphy suggests everyone arrive a half-hour before the event begins so they can get settled and be ready for questions as the meeting is just one hour long.

The exact location is still being finalized, but Murphy is hoping to secure Rainbow Baptist Church at the corner of Highway 146 and FM 787 in Rye for the event. She is currently awaiting confirmation from the church.

Murphy is committed to ensuring that all residents are informed about the meeting. She plans to distribute posters at local stores in the coming days to raise awareness.

The closure of the Trinity River Bridge has been a significant inconvenience for the Rye/Romayor community, affecting daily commutes and access to essential services. The town hall meeting will provide an opportunity for residents to voice their concerns directly to TxDOT officials and seek clarity on the timeline and scope of the bridge repairs.

Community members are encouraged to attend.

2 COMMENTS

  1. Thank you Nancy for your persistence. As a portable toilet service provider to that area 2 days per week, it is important to have TXDOT involved with the residence and the outer community more than just social media.

    • Thank you it is all about our little village on this north end of liberty county. Everyone of us should know the actions

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