Johnson County approves exemption to speed repairs on South Nolan River Road bridge

The Johnson County Commissioners Court unanimously granted an exemption on Monday to expedite repairs to a failing bridge on County Road 1111, also known in the record as South Nolan River Road.

Commissioner Bailey told the court the bridge has failed state inspections multiple times and that flood damage delayed earlier plans to rebuild. Bailey said increasing oil-and-gas truck traffic in the area has accelerated deterioration. He described a proposed 7-beam replacement structure with drilled piers to raise the road’s load capacity above its current 17,000-pound axle rating and said pier drilling will require more time and expense than past repairs.

County staff asked the court to grant an exemption from competitive bidding under Local Government Code section 262.024 for repairs deemed necessary because of unforeseen damage to county property. Commissioner Bailey read a drafted order (Order 2025-114) into the record that would cover purchases of materials, labor, equipment and rentals needed to complete the repairs.

Commissioner Bailey moved to approve the order, Commissioner White seconded, and the court approved Order 2025-114 unanimously. Bailey said the county will solicit quotes for demolition and repair, expects to begin the project within about 30 to 45 days (weather permitting), and will inform Nolan River Estates residents about road and bridge interruptions. A quote for the quoted materials alone was described as “a little over $100,000” in the hearing.

The court did not record a detailed roll-call vote in the audio transcript; the approval is reflected as unanimous in the meeting minutes. No alternative motions or amendments were presented during the workshop discussion.