Fischer Store Road Bridge Replacement Project Complete

Yesterday, the Texas Department of Transportation joined Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, Senator Donna Campbell, TxDOT Commissioner Jeff Austin III, TxDOT Executive Director James Bass, Hays County Commissioner Will Conley, Hays County Judge Bert Cobb, and the Wimberley community as they celebrated the completion of the Fischer Store Road bridge replacement project over the Blanco River with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

The $1.5 million project replaced the Fischer Store Road bridge after being destroyed in the historic 2015 Memorial Day weekend flood. The project began in December 2015 and was completed three months earlier than anticipated. The contractor for the project was Dan Williams Construction.

QUOTES:

Lt. Governor Dan Patrick: “This new river span represents a bridge to a brighter future,” said Lt. Governor Dan Patrick. “It is proof positive that this community is not only recovering from last year’s devastating floods, it is also emerging even stronger and better prepared for whatever future challenges are ahead.”

“This gathering of elected officials and public servants is more than just a photo opportunity to reopen a severely damaged transportation structure,” Patrick continued. “This accomplishment, three months ahead of schedule, is a testament to not only what government can do when faced with adversity but what government should do in providing true public service.”

Hays County Commissioner Will Conley: “We are fortunate to have such a wonderful relationship with our partners in TxDOT,” Hays County Commissioner Will Conley said. “Only through our combined efforts and team approach were we able to be successful and perform at such a high level for the citizens we serve.”

TxDOT Commissioner Jeff Austin III: “TxDOT is dedicated to ensuring drivers can travel safely and efficiently on our roadways each and every day and this bridge is no exception,” Commissioner Jeff Austin III said. “It is through our collaboration and partnership with Hays County and the state of Texas that we were successful on this project.”

TxDOT Executive Director James Bass: “Not only was TxDOT committed to simply re-opening the Fischer Store Road bridge for the community, we wanted to build in safeguards to provide extra strength and durability for the bridge long-term,” TxDOT Executive Director James Bass said. “Some of the ways we did this included adding web walls, or a solid wall, between each bridge column for additional strength, as well as adding shear keys, or concrete blocks, between the bridge beams to prevent them from moving, should they encounter strong force such as rushing water. Each of these items helps enhance the safety of the new bridge.”