TxDOT reopens FM 481 bridge in Uvalde, just weeks after July flooding damage
UVALDE COUNTY, Texas - A bridge in Uvalde County that was left impassable after severe flooding washed away part of its approach is set to reopen Sunday, just over a month after the damage occurred.
The Texas Department of Transportation said the FM 481 bridge will reopen to traffic Aug. 23 following more than $3 million in emergency repairs.
FM 481 bridge reopening
The backstory:
Floodwaters washed away the approach to the FM 481 bridge during a July 17 flooding event, cutting off the roadway and leaving a large gap between the bridge structure and the remaining road.
TxDOT said crews mobilized after the flooding to assess the damage and begin emergency repairs. Over the next 37 days, crews rebuilt the bridge approach and repaired other infrastructure needed to make the roadway safe for traffic.
The work was completed several weeks ahead of schedule.
What they're saying:
"FM 481 is a vital connection for the Uvalde community," San Antonio District Engineer Charles Benavidez said in a statement. "We moved quickly to assess the damage and complete repairs, so access could be restored as quickly and safely as possible."
More than $3 million in repairs
Dig deeper:
Images of the damage show the scale of the destruction along FM 481. While the bridge itself remained standing, floodwater washed away a substantial section of the roadway leading to it, leaving the bridge disconnected from the road on one side.
Crews reconstructed the missing approach and reinforced the area surrounding the roadway as part of the emergency work.
TxDOT said the repairs cost more than $3 million.
What's next:
The bridge is scheduled to reopen Sunday, Aug. 23, 37 days after the flooding.
Drivers are being asked to use caution when traveling through the area because crews will continue performing minor work after the roadway reopens.
The Source: Information in this article was provided by Texas DPS.