Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Engineering report recommends replacing Liska Road bridge; engineers estimate $700,000–$900,000
Summary
Friese & Nichols engineers advised the Ennis commission to replace the damaged Liska Road bridge over Cummins Creek rather than patching aging piles and decking; preliminary replacement estimates range from about $700,000 to $900,000, subject to hydraulic and geotechnical studies.
A consultant presented an engineering assessment of the Liska Road bridge over Cummins Creek and recommended full replacement rather than additional patch repairs, estimating a construction cost in the $700,000–$900,000 range.
Brad Watson of Friese & Nichols showed photographs of the structure’s damaged steel piles and removed deck and warned that placing concrete around corroded piles can mask damage without addressing load capacity. “You’re just putting lipstick on the pig,” Watson said, arguing that continued repairs would leave an old structure of questionable origin and uncertain long‑term performance.
Engineers discussed replacement options, including box culverts and low‑profile bridge sections, and noted typical TxDOT bridge construction rates of roughly $200 per square foot as a planning heuristic; they said a hydraulic flow study and geotechnical testing are required to select the final structure and right size culverts or span elements.
Commissioners discussed interim removal, demolition logistics and the possibility of coordinating with adjacent property owners to alter roadway alignment and avoid replacing a bridge altogether; staff indicated they would explore right‑of‑way options and bring procurement recommendations back to the Commission.
What’s next: staff will pursue follow‑up work (hydraulics, geotechnical investigation and cost refinement) and present options for demolition, temporary closure or full replacement at a future meeting. The consultant’s estimate includes engineering and demolition in the planning range presented to the Commission.
