ROMAYOR, Texas– Nearly a year after flooding forced its closure, residents of Liberty County are still waiting for the FM 787 bridge to reopen, leaving many disconnected from family, jobs, and essential services.
For locals like Richard Himburg, the closure has taken a toll.
“There have been a few people who lost jobs over this,” Himburg said. “You have families separated on both sides of the bridge. It’s just difficult.”
Since last May, residents have been forced to take detours, adding an extra hour to their commutes.
“It’s driving us all crazy,” Himburg added. “We’re getting antsy. We’re ready to go.”
Delays and Growing Frustration
The nearly $12 million repair project began six months ago, with TxDOT estimating a four-month completion timeline, weather permitting. However, despite Houston’s Intercontinental Airport (IAH) reporting below-average rainfall from August to December, the project has continued to drag on.
“It feels like we’re just throwing money into a hole and getting nothing out of it,” Himburg said.
This marks the second time in eight years the bridge has required major repairs. After Hurricane Harvey shut it down in 2017, the state spent $30 million between the two projects. A new permanent bridge is planned, but it could take up to six years to complete.
Expected Reopening?
In its latest update, TxDOT reported that the bridge has passed inspection but remains closed while waiting for safety equipment to arrive. The agency expects it to open by the end of the month, weather permitting.
Liberty County Commissioner Greg Arthur confirmed he was only given a vague timeline, stating that TxDOT blamed weather delays but could not specify what conditions caused the setbacks.
