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The low water crossing was installed last Thursday and
is designed to wash out in case of a heavy rain according to Jerry Martin,
County Commissioner. If this were to happen, it’s possible the condemned
bridge could be reopened to traffic meeting the weight restriction and
used until a new low water crossing is re-installed.
I spoke to Jerry Martin this morning and he is starting
work today on a second road into our sub-division. The road will extend
from the Phase VII, currently being developed, to the sewer plant road,
County Road 454. This road will only be used in case of emergency, if
the low water crossing washes out, and will have gates installed to keep
out through traffic when not in use. The road through Melvin Hammit’s
development to our North is not an option at this time.
I have spent a great deal of time talking to and
emailing the Tx-DOT folks in Austin this past week. I must have
discussed our bridge issue with a dozen or so folks before I found
out our new bridge request was still at the Fort Worth Tx-DOT office.
Apparently, several of the Austin folks called the Fort worth office to
find out what was going on – I know for sure one lady, after I explained
the urgency of our bridge issue, told me she was going to call the Fort
Worth office to find out the status of the request.
I also called and emailed my contact at Senator
Fraser’s office in Abilene and asked if they could help in finding
out the status of the new bridge request. I understand that Tab
Thompson also contacted Senator Fraser’s office.
I also spoke with the Bridge Inspection Engineer at
the Fort Worth Tx-DOT office yesterday afternoon and was told our request
for a new Federally funded bridge was completed today and was being sent
to Austin that same afternoon. They are trying to get it scheduled for
the November 17th Planning Commission meeting for approval. Things are
finally moving.
He also told me that even on an expedited basis – we
could be looking at 1-1/2 to 2 years for completion. He did say that
they had received authorization to start the surveying, water flow and
environmental studies, and design work – this is promising and will save
some time.
Please feel free to call me at 965-6990 or email at
bgordon61@our-town.com if you have any questions or concerns.
Also, please tell your neighbors about this site,
www.our-town.com for bridge information.
Bill Gordon
102 Saint James Court
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