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TxDOT says Owens Road bridge near completion; city warned of weather-related delays and higher cost
Summary
TxDOT area engineer told the commission the Owens Road bridge contractor completed concrete work and the bridge was scheduled to open 'this Friday' subject to paving and weather; original contract was about $900,000, staff said additional utility work raised the cost to roughly $1.4 million.
A TxDOT area engineer updated the Brownsville City Commission on the Owens Road bridge project during the May 6 meeting, saying the contractor had finished major concrete operations and that paving remained the final step before opening.
Andres Espinosa, area engineer for TxDOT’s Harlingen/Avalon office (presenting with a city staff member identified as Carlos), said the bridge was slated to open “this Friday,” while acknowledging inclement weather had created soft spots that required extra attention. Staff and TxDOT confirmed there were no utility leaks following additional work; the project’s original contract was about $900,000 but cost increased to roughly $1.4 million because of unforeseen utility work, the presentation said.
Commissioners pressed staff to provide realistic timelines to residents and to maintain clear communication when unexpected delays occur. City staff said final item pending was the hot-mix paving layer; once paving is complete the bridge will be ready for public use.
