TxDOT nominates Doyle Road bridge for federal replacement; county asked to commit minimal in‑kind share

A Texas Department of Transportation representative told Walker County commissioners on Nov. 17 that a deficient bridge on Doyle Road has been nominated for replacement under an advanced funding agreement.

"If we were to spend approximately a million dollars to replace this bridge, then the county contribution would be 10% of that," said Brian DeBlois of TxDOT's bridge section, adding that an Economic Development Corporation adjustment reduced Walker County’s out‑of‑pocket share to about $8,000. "The only thing that the county would have to contribute is about $8,000," DeBlois said.

DeBlois described procedural steps: nomination, available program funding, and documentation that would track the project by job number 091727048. He said the county may provide the contribution as an in‑kind participation waiver rather than an upfront check; the court approved the participation waiver paperwork that allows construction to proceed without an immediate cash payment and provides a three‑year window to satisfy the participation requirement in kind.

Commissioners asked about prior bridge work and how similar contributions were handled; TxDOT staff said the approach mirrors recent projects and that required documentation will be provided.

Next steps: TxDOT and county staff will complete the advanced funding agreement and monitor letting dates; the county’s in‑kind participation commitment will be documented via the participation waiver.