TXDOT Plans Hwy 77 Repairs Amid Community Concerns

FALLS COUNTY, Texas ( FOX 44 ) — Drivers on Highway 77 in Falls County may have noticed an ongoing road closure that has been in place for about three months.

The closure follows significant damage to the bridge’s substructure caused by severe flooding in June.

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has been working diligently to address the situation.

According to TxDOT spokesperson Jacob Smith, the flooding resulted in substantial damage when trees and debris struck the bridge.

“Due to the extensive and substantial damage to the bridge, work is expected to last until next spring,” Smith said.

In response to the damage, TxDOT has implemented a detour and has recently secured an emergency maintenance contract for the detour site.

“We now have a contractor on board, and the community should expect to see more work starting in the coming weeks,” Smith added.

Community members have expressed frustration over the prolonged road closure. Chilton resident Carol Keggins, who lives near the detour site, described the situation as highly inconvenient.

“The detour is really inconvenient for all the people that work here,” Keggins said.

Concerns have also been raised about safety. Residents have reported near-accidents on the darkened detour routes and are calling for regular safety checks of the bridge.

“In addition to repairs, we’d like to see a process where they routinely check the safety of the bridge,” Keggins added.

TxDOT has placed advisory signs on State Highway 7 to inform drivers about the closure and detour.

The agency is asking for continued patience from the community as work progresses to ensure the bridge is safe for future use.

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