County Judge declares disaster following TxDOT’s closure of Hubbard Creek Lake bridge
By Carla McKeown and Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan
Stephens County Judge Michael Roach has issued a Disaster Declaration for Stephens County, effective Friday, Dec. 22, following the closure of the U.S. Highway 180 bridge over Hubbard Creek Lake, aka the “Mile-Long Bridge.”
An emergency inspection of the U.S. Highway 180 bridge over Hubbard Creek Lake revealed significant structural damage, Stephens County Judge Michael Roach said. TxDOT closed the bridge to all traffic on Friday, Dec. 22. (Photo courtesy of Stephens County)
The Texas Department of Transportation shut down the bridge to all traffic, including emergency vehicles, after an emergency inspection on Friday, which “revealed significant issues regarding the structural integrity of the bridge,” the declaration explains.
The closure of the bridge, which connects Breckenridge to the western portion of the county, as well as easy access to Albany, Abilene and points beyond, “has resulted in severe disruptions to the county’s emergency services and the well-being of our residents.”
According to Stephens County Sheriff Kevin Roach, someone fishing at the lake on Thursday noticed problems with the bridge and notified authorities. The Texas Department of Transportation inspected and then closed the bridge on Friday. Click this photo to get a closer look at the damage. (Photo Courtesy of Stephens County)
In the Disaster Declaration, Roach says that “approximately 15% of the county’s population is now cut off from rapid emergency services, leading to extended response times of 45 minutes or longer. Moreover, residents in the affected areas are facing extended drives for necessities, further exacerbating the situation.”
With the declaration, he directs all relevant county departments, agencies and emergency services to take all “necessary measures to mitigate the impact of this emergency situation.”
Additionally, Roach sent a letter to Gov. Greg Abbott, asking for “the State of Texas’ continued assistance and that successive proclamations be issued and remain in effect until the threat of loss of life, injury, or damage to property is contained.”
The Disaster Declaration will remain in effect for no more than seven days unless continued or renewed by the Stephens County Commissioner’s Court. The commissioners are scheduled to meet again at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 27, at the Stephens County Courthouse.
Earlier today, Saturday, Dec. 23, the Texas Division of Emergency Management deployed an “EMS strike force,” to the western side of the county and will provide emergency services to Stephens County residents on the west of the “mile-long bridge.” The Ridge Cowboy Church is allowing the use of their facilities for the team to set up.
On Saturday afternoon, Roach and Commissioner Mark McCullough were putting out traffic cones on county roads in the southwestern portion of the county, marking narrow bridges and cattle guards on the alternate routes of travel that residents may need to take since they can’t cross the lake on U.S. Highway 180. They were also installing electronic detour boards so that the alternate routes are clearly marked for travelers, Roach said.
Click the following link to read the Disaster Declaration and letter to the governor: https://breckenridgetexan.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/DDLGA122323.pdf
Click here to read previous Breckenridge Texan articles on the topic:
TxDOT to shut down ‘Mile-Long Bridge’ as soon as possible, according to county judge
Barricades warn travelers that the bridge on U.S. Highway 180 over Hubbard Creek Lake is closed to all traffic. The Texas Department of Transportation shut down the bridge on Friday, Dec. 22, following an emergency inspection that revealed structural damage to the bridge. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)
Cutline, top photo: The Texas Department of Transportation inspected and then closed the bridge over Hubbard Creek Lake on Friday, Dec. 22, due to significant structural damage. County Judge Michael Roach declared a disaster for the county, following the closure. (Photo Courtesy of Stephens County)
