After years of washouts, repairs and lengthy closures, TxDOT is moving ahead with plans for a new FM 787 bridge across the Trinity River between Romayor and Rayburn — and the agency has now settled on a preferred route.
Three possible routes were presented to the public July 1. Based on feedback received during that process, TxDOT announced in September that Alternative C-B will move forward as the preferred route for the project’s environmental study.
The plan calls for moving the Trinity River crossing away from the existing bridge, which sits at a significant bend in the river where the channel has been shifting over time.
Under the proposal, roughly two miles of FM 787 would be reconstructed and realigned between Rayburn and Romayor. The new roadway would remain two lanes, with one lane in each direction and shoulders on both sides. The proposed right of way would be 150 feet wide.
For residents who depend on FM 787, the need for a more permanent solution has become increasingly apparent.
The bridge was closed on May 7, 2024, after heavy flooding washed out the approaches. It remained closed for more than 10 months while TxDOT made emergency repairs, finally reopening to traffic on March 24, 2025.
During that closure, motorists who normally used FM 787 to cross the Trinity River were faced with lengthy detours.
It was not the first time residents had dealt with an extended closure. The bridge also was out of service from May 2019 until the summer of 2022 following an earlier washout.
The original bridge was built in 1976 with six spans ranging from 51 to 130 feet. Over the years, repairs altered the structure, and by 2024, it consisted of seven spans.
Rather than continuing to fight the river at the existing location, TxDOT’s proposed project would move the roadway and bridge to a new alignment. The preferred C-B route would cross the Trinity north of the current FM 787 crossing before tying back into the existing roadway near Romayor.
There is still a long way to go before motorists see construction equipment at the site.
TxDOT expects the schematic design and environmental study to continue through 2027, with an environmental decision anticipated that year. Detailed design and acquisition of needed right of way are expected to take place from 2027 through 2029.
If the current schedule holds, construction could begin in 2029. TxDOT cautions that the timeline is preliminary and could change.
In the meantime, TXDOT will continue studying the C-B alignment, including its potential environmental impacts, safety and mobility issues, accessibility and future traffic needs as the area’s population grows.
The selection of a preferred route also does not end the public involvement process. TxDOT’s Beaumont District says it will continue gathering comments and providing project updates as the environmental study and design work move forward.
For residents of Romayor, Rayburn and the surrounding communities who have endured two extended bridge closures in recent years, the project could eventually provide something they have not had in a while — a more dependable way across the Trinity.
Questions or comments about the project may be directed to TxDOT Project Manager Chaitanya Desai at 409-224-6975 or Chaitanya.Desai@txdot.gov.