Texas Transportation Officials To Assess Storm Damage

AUSTIN, TEXAS — State transportation officials late Tuesday said crews will be removing roadway debris left in the wake of heavy rain across the region, close highways where needed and will examine damage where a Llano River bridge was washed away by storm-induced currents.

"While crews are working to barricade water-topped roads, we remind Texans to never drive across highways where water is pooling," Texas Department of Transportation officials said in a press advisory. "Instead, 'Turn Around, Don’t Drown.' "

Raging waters on Tuesday washed away the RM 2900 bridge over the Llano River arm of Lake LBJ in Kingsland, Texas, as the region was pelted with heavy rain. TxDot officials said the crossing 75 miles northeast of Austin will remain closed indefinitely.

Built to withstand a 50-year flood, the old bridge almost hits it mark after being constructed in 1969 — 49 years ago. TxDot officials added that the concrete and steel bridge underwent routine maintenance in 2010 before it was found to be structurally sound after the last inspection last year.

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TxDot inspects bridges every two years, TxDot officials noted.

Despite its supposed structural soundness, the overpass was no match for the strong currents of water runoff in Llano where three people died after being swept away by similar storm-fueled rapids. Storm chasers on Tuesday captured dramatic images of the fallen bridge being swept away by powerful currents fed by relentless rain, carried off like so much debris in a way that belied its supposed steel-and-concrete-reinforced architecture.

News 4 San Antonio captured images of powerful torrents easily slicing through the bridge in breaking it down:

"Once the water recedes, TxDOT crews will inspect the damage and determine the best method to repair the bridge," TxDot officials wrote. "This is a priority for the agency, and repairs will be expedited."

In the meantime, TxDot officials said, drivers can use SH 71 or US 281 to travel north or south in the area, as well as RM 1431 once water levels have gone down.

Given the potential for more rain this week, along with the possibility of additional road closures, TxDOT maintenance and special crews from the Austin District will stay mobilized until the threat of flooding is over, officials said.

For the latest road closure information visit DriveTexas, officials advised. Drivers are urged to check conditions before traveling.

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