FORT BEND COUNTY, TX – There is a rumor floating around Fort Bend County that the Stavinoha Bridge over the Brazos River on the Grand Parkway (SH 99) will be closed this Sunday (August 27, 2017) morning. County Judge Bob Hebert says "There is no truth in the rumor."
Erosion from the three major floods in 2015 and 2016 has removed much of the earthen bank reinforcing the northern pier support. The bridge is safe, but major repairs to restore ground support for the pier and prevent future erosion are currently being made. Reflectors have been installed on the pier components and they are checked regularly by laser level to confirm no movement has occurred. Due to the predicted flood event construction has been halted and all lanes of the bridge are open.
As flood waters rise, the laser measurements will also increase and if the slightest movement is observed, the bridge will be immediately closed. If water rises to the level that prevents direct observation of its action on the pier and/or the northern abutment, the bridge will be closed immediately. Toll Road personnel have been instructed that, if in doubt, to act in the interest of public safety. If the river rises to the predicated forecast of 55 foot elevation at the Richmond gauge, the bridge will undoubtedly be closed due to inability to observe the river's action against the pier and abutment, but no firm date or time can be set due to our inability to exactly predict river elevations.
Should the bridge be closed, the detour route will be via Highway 6 to US90A. In the event that the underpass at TX-99 and US 90A is flooded, the detour will be Highway 6 to West Airport Boulevard.