US-90 bridge in Liberty County reopens at limited capacity as work starts on flood-damaged roads

As southeastern Texas commences its recovery from recent storms, the aftermath of heavy rain and flooding has left significant damage to roadways, with some areas still inundated with knee-high floodwaters.

Following the weekend deluge, many roads became impassable due to rising waters, prompting closures reported by Houston TranStar, including several highways still shut down as of Monday.

One crucial link from Houston to smaller communities, the US-90 bridge over the Trinity River, was temporarily closed as a precautionary measure. Although the Texas Department of Transportation later reopened the bridge with limited capacity for eastbound traffic on a two-lane setup, the westbound lanes remain inaccessible due to continued high water levels.

In Liberty County, ABC13 investigated reports of a collapsed bridge on FM-787, a vital thoroughfare for local residents. Photos revealed a gaping hole in the roadway, prompting authorities to block off the area in both directions. The bridge reportedly buckled amid the flood aftermath, leaving residents like Nancy Murphy of Romayor in dire need of assistance and supplies.

With the collapsed bridge necessitating a detour of over an hour, residents expressed concerns about the extended travel time, particularly for a low-income community like Romayor. While a Red Cross spokesperson pledged to deliver supplies to the area, the nearest distribution center in Livingston, at 1103 N. Dunbar Ave., remains a considerable distance from Romayor.

Updates on repairs to the collapsed bridge were unavailable from TxDOT due to hazardous conditions, emphasizing the need for caution in the area.

Elsewhere, in the Rio Villa region just north of Houston, Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey shared images on social media depicting the uneven, washed-out road. Ramsey assured residents that emergency repairs would commence once floodwaters recede, with assistance from Precinct 3’s Road and Bridge crew.

As agencies assess and address damages, FEMA and state officials in Montgomery County urged affected residents to report damage promptly to facilitate federal aid distribution. Despite ongoing repair efforts, authorities advise caution against driving through flooded areas.