Gazley Creek Bridge at 4th Avenue CLOSED
The off-system bridge at 4th Avenue over Gazley Creek was ordered CLOSED for public safety by the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) at 10:25 am on November 20, 2019. The City has been closely monitoring the condition of the Gazley Creek bridge (built in 1936) since Hurricane Harvey and requested a TXDOT inspection team evaluate the structural integrity after noticeable surface deformation was identified. TXDOT’s team of structural engineers believe that the bridge’s deterioration rate is unpredictable making the structural integrity “questionable”. As such, the structure was deemed unsafe and immediately closed for public safety. A traffic detour via Live Oak at FM 2571 was established. Notices of the bridge / road closure and detour route were hand-delivered to residents who live on the "Hill" within 2-hours of the ordered closure. In addition, notices were posted on the City website and Facebook page. The City worked with the Smithville ISD to ensure this information was communicated to those parents with school-aged children on the Hill that ride the school bus. The City is currently working with TXDOT to identify an engineering solution that will most likely require the bridge to be replaced. The City is also working with the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) to ensure that the Live Oak crossing remain open to allow emergency services access to/from the Hill. Lastly, the City is seeking emergency funding assistance from the Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM) to cover the estimated $800k replacement cost. Construction will take approximately 6-9 months. Click on the link below for more information.
