TxDOT says Hubbard Creek Lake bridge could be reopened by Jan. 11
The Texas Department of Transportation issued a statement today, saying the Stephens County bridge on U.S. Highway 180 West over Hubbard Creek Lake could be reopened by Jan. 11.
Stephens County Judge Michael Roach said in an email this afternoon that, as far as he understands, the repair will be a permanent repair.
According to Lisa Tipton, the Public Information Officer with TxDOT’s Brownwood office, “TxDOT’s contractor had a successful concrete pour yesterday (Thursday, Jan. 4). TxDOT will monitor the concrete daily until it reaches full compressive strength to safely open the bridge to traffic. Estimated cure time is between four to seven days. Target concrete cure time is four days.
“It could take the contractor two days after the concrete has fully cured to open the bridge to traffic,” the statement continued. “This timeframe allows all items to be removed from the bridge for a safe opening for traffic by January 11, 2024, weather permitting.”
Breckenridge Independent School District officials have been working on a plan to transport students who live west of the bridge to school and back home until the bridge is repaired. Students will return from their Christmas break on Monday, Jan. 8, a few days before the projected reopening of the bridge.
In an email this afternoon, Bryan Allen, BISD superintendent said, “Buses will run. However, routes and pick-up times for students who live on the west side of the bridge have been temporarily adjusted. The parents of those students either have been notified or are being notified today of these adjustments. Staff members who normally travel over the bridge have been encouraged to find alternate routes to work and allow plenty of time for arrival.”
The bridge was closed by TxDOT on Dec. 22 due to damage to the supports under the bridge.
Cutline, top photo: A second set of barricades can be seen in the distance when looking through the first set of barricades closing off the Hubbard Creek Lake bridge. The additional barricades were added after reports of motorists moving the original barricades aside and driving across the bridge, which has been deemed dangerous by the Texas Department of Transportation. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)
