Road damage causes over a dozen flat tires on I-10 East Fwy near San Jacinto River, sheriff says

A significant number of flat tires on Monday morning along the I-10 East Freeway in Harris County, Texas, were attributed to damage to the roadway, specifically bridge expansion joints. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) reported that expansion joints near the San Jacinto River and Monmouth Road had become exposed and widened, leading to extensive damage.

TxDOT spokesperson Bambi Hall described the incident as highly unusual due to the occurrence of damage in two spots on the same day and its proximity, which she deemed “extensive.” While the exact cause remains uncertain, heavy loads passing through the area were suspected.

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez noted that approximately 10 to 15 vehicles suffered tire damage after traversing the affected areas.

Crews worked to implement semi-permanent fixes and reopened the roadway late Monday afternoon. Initially, two westbound lanes were closed for several hours as crews addressed the issue.

Hall stated that while full permanent repairs await materials currently on backorder, efforts are being made to restore the road to its standard safety levels. These materials are expected to become available within the next few weeks for the necessary repairs.

TxDOT follows a regular inspection schedule for bridges statewide, with consultants conducting inspections every two years. Additionally, TxDOT personnel routinely patrol their designated areas to proactively identify and address any potential issues.