Ribbon Cutting to take place for Low Water Crossing at Cotton Gin road

Sierra Martin | Managing Editor

HAYS COUNTY – Hays County plans a ribbon-cutting for the low-water crossing at Cotton Gin Rd. over Porter Creek on Friday, July 1. County officials will celebrate the reopening of the crossing with a brief event that is open to the public.

The project, part of Hays County’s low-water crossing improvement plan, began under Commissioner Mark Jones, Pct. 2, and was transferred to Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe, Pct. 1, following the county’s redistricting in 2021.

“The project has improved the existing low-water crossing at Cotton Gin Road over Porter Creek,” Ingalsbe said. “These improvements will significantly reduce overtopping of the road and lower the flooding elevation upstream of the crossing.”

According to Bert Estrada, the Contracts Manager for the Hays County Transportation Department, the work entailed the following:

• Widening the existing roadway and improving about 310 feet of roadway.
• Replacing the existing two 36-inch diameter corrugated metal pipe with five 10-foot x 5-foot boxes.
• Streambank stabilization and the addition of about 200 linear feet of new safety guard rails for traffic protection.
• Drainage improvements including a new culvert and slope protection.

Upon completion of the project, Estrada said all disturbed areas were revegetated.

“We are pleased with the outcome of the project and know it will help make that area much safer for our residents,” Jones said.

The ribbon-cutting begins at 9:30 a.m., weather permitting. Commissioner Jones will say a few words during the event. Parking is along the side of the roadway.