Thursday, May 16, 2024
The Coryell County Commissioners Court talked about the need to resolve safety concerns at the low water crossing at Straws Mill Road over the Leon River.
Commissioner Ryan Basham said he recently visited the area "and there is a safety issue - there's about 2 feet until (the road) drops off - it's a definite issue. (Between) 131 and 220 cars go down that road (regularly). I didn't have any idea that many cars went down that road."
Basham has talked with County Road and Bridge Administrator Justin Latham about ways to take care of the problem, such as moving the road or putting up a guardrail or berm.
"We need something - there's nothing there right now," he said, adding that right of way could be acquired to change the dangerous road pattern.
Commissioner Kyle Matthews noted that something could be done soon as a temporary fix. The road is on a list of projects the county plans to work on once it receives grant money.
"You drive along the county road and all of a sudden it's washed out," said Commissioner Scott Weddle. "There are three options - ignore it, do something about it or shut it down. I too was surprised by the traffic count."
Basham said he would like to keep the road open, with safety concerns addressed.
"From what I understand of the situation right now, it's a safety concern," said County Judge Roger Miller. "The 2, 3 or 4 feet of erosion is what we see. We haven't gotten underneath it to see (how bad the erosion is). The only way we'd know is when it caves in.
"We need to make a recommendation to Mr. Latham in the direction we want to take, if it's a long-term replacement. Is it feasible to keep it open with some reasonable guarantee of safety?"
Basham said the tin horn at the crossing is "rusted out - it's been in bad shape for years."
Weddle said the commissioners court needs Latham to give an assessment of what is needed to make the crossing safe.
"The crossing itself has been worrisome for some time," Basham said.
Steve Manning, president of Natural Resource Solutions (NRS), a consultant for the county, said the commissioners court had authorized NRS "to look at that. I hope whatever you're thinking about in terms of right of way is in terms of a new bridge."
That could be the long-term solution, but commissioners stressed the need for a more immediate fix.
"A temporary fix could include putting some reflectors in to mark the immediate approach of the road," said Commissioner Keith Taylor.
"It's a weird angle - it's a one-car bridge for sure," Weddle said. He added that he would like for Latham to provide a cost estimate along with a strong assessment of what should be done at the crossing.
"If we decide to close that down, public hearings may be involved as we identify the most prudent course of action," Miller said.
Commissioners Basham and Weddle said they will talk to Latham so that additional information can be presented to the commissioners court.
