Hays County Moves Forward with Temporary Fischer Store Road Bridge Plan

The Hays County Commissioners Court Tuesday approved moving forward with the County’s investigation of placing a temporary bridge at the Fischer Store Road/Blanco River crossing in southwestern Hays County. The bridge that allows thousands of residents from that area direct access to Wimberley was washed away by the Memorial Weekend flood in May.

Bowman Consulting, a nationally recognized engineering consulting firm with an office in San Marcos, is developing a design for a temporary replacement bridge that will use rail flat cars to carry traffic until a permanent bridge is constructed. Hays County and TxDOT are already working to design a new permanent bridge, but that will take at least a year to have in place. In the meantime, residents on the southwestern side of the bridge have to drive some 50 miles one-way to get into Wimberley, Dripping Springs, Austin or the surrounding area. The Hays County Sheriff’s Office has stationed deputies in the area, and Comal County is offering EMS and fire service to the area to maintain public safety.

The Court thanked Bowman Consulting for donating its time and expertise for the initial design – Hays County will pay them $550 total for what would normally cost several thousand dollars.

The Hays County Purchasing Office expects to issue the request for proposals within the next few weeks and will consider proposals for the rail car design as well as other temporary designs.

Editor’s Note: Corridor News received clarification from Hays County on the amount they will be paying Bowman Consulting, “Bowman offered the reduced rate for the preliminary design to the County. It covers their out of pocket expenses but the company’s time would normally be around three thousand,” said Laureen Chernow, Hays County Communications Specialist.

Corridor News would like to add Bowman Consulting to the very long list of local businesses that have offered help, donations, or services.