The Kingsland bridge, which was washed away in the October 2018 Texas Hill Country flooding, is scheduled to be fully replaced and operational by May 24, 2019. On October 16, 2018, the RM 2900 bridge on the Llano River arm of Lake Lyndon B. Johnson was overtaken by tremendous flood waters that resulted from heavy rains. The new structure is anticipated to see Memorial Day weekend traffic, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.
Local News
New Kingsland Bridge Completion Date Set for End of May
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Photo: Facebook/Edward Tindol
The Kingsland bridge was designed to endure a 50-year flood event. It was constructed in 1969, and provided access to the southern part of the community, across Lake LBJ. On that fateful day in October 2018, the river was reported to be discharging approximately 290K cubic feet of water per second. The river reportedly crested at 39.9 feet, which was the highest level it had reached in over eight decades. The bridge was the main access into town for a lot of area residents. With it being swept away in last year’s historic flooding, many have been forced to take a detour which makes for an hour’s drive time just to get to the other side of Lake Lyndon B. Johnson. The new bridge is reported to be both wider and taller than the former, with 12-foot travel lanes and six-foot shoulders. It will also include a six-foot sidewalk for pedestrian traffic. The project cost has been tallied at $17.3 million. Capital Excavation Company was the contractor awarded with the project, which also includes incentives for quick completion. The former bridge saw daily traffic of 5,600 vehicles, and soon this new bridge, designed as a “perch” model to sit five feet higher, will be able to support that level again.
Photo: Facebook/Steve Zbranek
Plans are also underway in the community of Kingsland for a celebratory event recognizing the new bridge opening at the end of the month. The “Bridge Party” will run from 5 – 9 p.m. on Thursday, May 30, 2019, at 151 Melodie Lane in Kingsland. Event proceeds will be designated to the area’s post-flood relief campaign.
