Riverview News| April 29, 2025
POLK COUNTY, Texas – A year after floodwaters surged through Polk County, forcing evacuations and sparking fears of a Lake Livingston Dam failure, communities are still picking up the pieces—and vital infrastructure is still under repair.
Last spring’s record rainfall pushed the Lake Livingston Dam to critical levels, prompting the Trinity River Authority (TRA) to release more than 109,000 cubic feet per second of water. The pressure not only inundated downstream neighborhoods, like Holiday Lake Estates, but also triggered a rare “potential failure watch” for the dam itself—a precautionary alert that drew attention from emergency officials across the state.
Lake Livingston Dam: Stabilization Still Underway
Following the high-flow event, TRA engineers discovered erosion damage below the spillway where original clay fill had washed out. Since then, repairs have focused on reinforcing the downstream side with stronger materials and restoring the protective layers under the spillway apron. Lake levels have been carefully managed between 128.0 and 131.0 feet above mean sea level to support ongoing construction, which remains active in 2025.
“We want the community to know the dam was never in imminent danger of failing,” said a TRA spokesperson, “but the damage we found needed to be addressed immediately to ensure long-term stability.”
Bridge Closures Compound Recovery Struggles
As the floodwaters tore through the area, they also damaged key transportation routes. The FM 787 bridge over the Trinity River suffered a partial collapse in May 2024. After months of reconstruction by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), the bridge was successfully reopened to traffic on March 24, 2025. The completed work included lifting damaged sections, reconstructing the deck, and installing new roadway approaches and safety features.
Meanwhile, downstream from the dam, the FM 3278 bridge was also affected. Though it did not suffer catastrophic failure, it was temporarily closed last spring due to high water and safety concerns. Inspections revealed erosion and structural wear requiring reinforcement. TxDOT began repairs to stabilize the foundation and address damage caused by the unprecedented flow rates from the dam’s release. Additional work continues as crews improve support structures to ensure long-term durability.
Residents Still Feeling the Impact
For residents of Holiday Lake Estates and other flooded areas, recovery is far from over. Many lost homes, vehicles, and personal belongings to the prolonged flooding. While the water eventually receded, emotional and financial scars remain.
Mary Ann Foster, a longtime resident, described the past year as “a slow grind of rebuilding.” She added, “We’re thankful the dam held, but the fear we felt—watching the water rise and wondering if it was going to give—still sticks with me.”
With some bridge repairs still underway and roads previously closed, many residents were forced to take long detours, complicating commutes, emergency response times, and local business operations. “It’s not just about getting to work,” one resident said. “It’s about getting your kids to school, your mom to a doctor’s appointment. These roads matter.”
Planning for the Future
Local leaders say the past year has underscored the urgent need for resilient infrastructure. County officials are collaborating with state agencies to improve drainage systems, monitor dam conditions, and develop quicker response strategies for future floods.
“We can’t stop the storms,” said Polk County Commissioner Tommy Overstreet, “but we can make sure the next time this happens, we’re better prepared—and our roads, our bridges, our people are better protected.”
For the latest updates on Lake Livingston Dam repairs and FM 3278 bridge projects, visit TrinityRA.org or TxDOT.gov.