A truck passes over the new Cow Creek bridge on RR 1431 on Aug. 19. The original bridge was destroyed July 5 during major flooding, and the original estimated completion date for a replacement structure was Sept. 19, but the project was completed a month early. Staff photo by Dakota Morrissiey
The new Cow Creek bridge on RR 1431 opened to traffic Aug. 19, one month ahead of schedule. The original structure was destroyed July 5 during devastating flooding across the Highland Lakes.
The Texas Department of Transportation slashed through the red tape, kicked the rebuild project into overdrive, and replaced the critical connection between Burnet and Travis counties way before its original Sept. 19 completion date.
An emergency construction contract was awarded to Hunter Industries on July 16 after a rapid bidding process, and the project began July 21. Crews literally worked day and night to finish the bridge 31 days early.
Gov. Greg Abbott and a host of state transportation leaders held a ribbon-cutting Tuesday morning, officially opening the bridge to traffic and cutting down on the nearly doubled commute times that many RR 1431 travelers between Marble Falls and Lago Vista endured while the bridge was out.
News stories, staff photos, and other online content are copyrighted property of Victory Media. Reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited without the express written consent of the publisher.
It’s curious timing to do the ribbon cutting at the same time as Burnet County Commissioners Court is held – which is why all of our Commissioners were absent. It’s also curious that disgraced former County Judge James Oakley was on scene and provided a photo of the ribbon cutting to a local newspaper, apparently not this one. Perhaps James has a new profession.
So they “cut through the red tape” to get the project done eh? So…why do we need “red tape” in the first place? Eliminate it and let’s get the job, all the jobs, done! Make America what it once was, capable and constructive!
Well put, @Rodduc – they just showed they can do it with no red tape. Now start getting rid of red tape. For ever new regulation, require that three are retired would be one way to achieve that.
Awesome and incredible work by TXDot!
Unbelievable. This wouldn’t happen in any of the other 5 states I’ve lived in. Proud of TXDOT and the contractors who literally worked day and night to make this happen so quickly. Very appreciative as a nearby resident. Also a wonderful tribute to Malaya Hammond who died after falling into Cow Creek there. This bridge should be memorialized after her as she saved her younger family members from perishing. God bless her family and thank you TXDOT!
Comments are closed.
DailyTrib.com moderates all comments. Comments with profanity, violent or discriminatory language, defamatory statements, or threats will not be allowed. The opinions and views expressed here are those of the person commenting and do not necessarily reflect the official position of DailyTrib.com or Victory Media Marketing.
CONTENT SUBMISSION AND LICENSE AGREEMENT
This Content Submission and License Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into by and between Victory Media Marketing LLC (“Company,” “we,” or “us”) and you (“User,” “you,” or “Submitter”) upon your submission of content through our websites’ See it, Share It form.
Submitted Content “Submitted Content” means any news tips, text, descriptions, images, photographs, videos, audio files, recordings, or other materials you upload, submit, or provide to us via the news tips forms on DailyTrib.com, KBEYfm.com, 101highlandlakes.com, or any other websites owned or operated by Victory Media Marketing LLC.
License Grant By submitting any Submitted Content, you hereby grant to Company a worldwide, non- exclusive, perpetual, irrevocable, royalty-free, fully sublicensable, and transferable license to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, translate, create derivative works from, distribute, perform, display, and otherwise exploit the Submitted Content in any form or medium (now known or hereafter developed), including but not limited to:
Publishing on DailyTrib.com, KBEYfm.com, 101highlandlakes.com, other Company websites, apps, newsletters, and social media platforms (such as Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, etc.).
Editing, formatting, or combining with other content for news, promotional, archival, or commercial purposes.
Allowing third parties (e.g., affiliates, syndication partners) to use it under the same terms. You retain ownership of the copyright in your Submitted Content, subject to the license granted above.
User Representations and Warranties You represent and warrant that:
You are at least 18 years old and have the full right and authority to grant the rights in this Agreement.
The Submitted Content is your original work or you have obtained all necessary permissions, consents, and releases (including from any individuals appearing in photos/videos or owners of any third-party materials).
The Submitted Content does not infringe any third-party intellectual property rights, privacy rights, publicity rights, or defame any person.
It complies with all applicable laws and does not contain viruses, malware, or prohibited content.
You will not submit false, misleading, or confidential information.
No Compensation You understand and agree that you will receive no compensation for the submission or use of your Submitted Content.
Indemnification You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Company, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, liabilities, losses, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising from your breach of this Agreement or any third-party claims related to your Submitted Content.
Moral Rights and Publicity You waive any moral rights or rights of attribution in the Submitted Content to the extent permitted by law. Company may use your name, username, or likeness in connection with the Submitted Content if applicable.
Termination and Removal Company may, in its sole discretion, edit, refuse to post, or remove any Submitted Content at any time without notice. This Agreement survives any termination.
Governing Law This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to conflict of laws principles. Any disputes shall be resolved exclusively in the courts located in Burnet County, Texas.
Entire Agreement This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties and supersedes all prior agreements. Modifications must be in writing. By submitting content, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Agreement.
It’s curious timing to do the ribbon cutting at the same time as Burnet County Commissioners Court is held – which is why all of our Commissioners were absent. It’s also curious that disgraced former County Judge James Oakley was on scene and provided a photo of the ribbon cutting to a local newspaper, apparently not this one. Perhaps James has a new profession.
So they “cut through the red tape” to get the project done eh? So…why do we need “red tape” in the first place? Eliminate it and let’s get the job, all the jobs, done! Make America what it once was, capable and constructive!
Well put, @Rodduc – they just showed they can do it with no red tape. Now start getting rid of red tape. For ever new regulation, require that three are retired would be one way to achieve that.
Awesome and incredible work by TXDot!
Unbelievable. This wouldn’t happen in any of the other 5 states I’ve lived in. Proud of TXDOT and the contractors who literally worked day and night to make this happen so quickly. Very appreciative as a nearby resident. Also a wonderful tribute to Malaya Hammond who died after falling into Cow Creek there. This bridge should be memorialized after her as she saved her younger family members from perishing. God bless her family and thank you TXDOT!