A lot of concrete will make driver’s lives a lot smoother

State Highway 8 Bridge over the Sulphur River and Lake Wright Patman is now open and gives a major impression .... it is a lot of concrete.

The bridge is a mile and three-quarter feet long. It is 44 feet wide with two 12-ft travel lanes and 10-ft wide shoulders. The one long bridge is replacing two that are still here but are to be taken down. The two were so narrow as to be uncomfortable to drive.

Not the new Sulphur River Bridge. The white concrete is so strong in appearance that cars and trucks seem to want to increase their speed on the curve. The bridge is almost a “wonder” of Cass and Bowie counties. Worth a trip to see, fun to drive and with an unusual view of the lake.

The $37.7 million, seven year project to build this bridge makes it the third bridge here. The two narrower bridges were built in the 1950s.

Dusty Rudel, project manager for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), said he is told of one area resident who made use of the early connecting roadway, then the two bridges from the 1950s until now and the newest bridge today.

“We want it to be of as good service for the public as the one that lasted 60 plus years,” Rudel said.

The new bridge was begun in May of 2019. The one long bridge is replacing the two that cross the Sulphur River between Bowie and Cass counties. The contractor on the $37.7 million structure is Longview Bridge and Road of Longview.

A ribbon cutting for its opening was held July 9. Both Longview Bridge and TxDOT representatives complimented each other for their work together on this project. TxDOT mentioned the improve water flow and safety for daily commuters.

Casey Johnson, president of Longview Bridge and Road, said the project presented challenges, one of which was the changing of water levels which could occur on the lake.

“Of the lake changes which occurred several times, the water came above our work bridge, and we would have to pull out our equipment and start again.’

The bridge’s new elevation will help relieve flooding, he said.

Now, all is left is removal of the old bridge. But for now, the new Sulphur River Bridge sparkles in the sun over the blue water and blue skies of Lake Wright Patman.