The Texas Department of Transportation joined officials from Blanco County as they celebrated the completion of the RM 165 bridge replacement project over the Blanco River with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The Texas Department of Transportation joined officials from Blanco County as they celebrated the completion of the RM 165 bridge replacement project over the Blanco River with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

The $1.3 million project replaced the RM 165 bridge, which was destroyed in the 2015 Memorial Day floods. The new bridge is 42-ft. (12.8 m) wide, with two 12-ft. (3.6 m) travel lanes, one in each direction, and 8-ft. (2.4 m) shoulders. The project began in December 2015 and was completed in May 2016. The new bridge design includes an enhanced substructure, so it is stronger and safer than the previous bridge.

The contractor for the project was Capital Excavation Company.

Blanco County Judge Brett Bray said, “RM 165 is a vital artery for Blanco County and the citizens who drive this area every day. I am thankful to the area's first responders for their work to keep citizens safe after the RM 165 bridge washed out and I appreciate the work of TxDOT and Capital Excavation for their quick work to get this route reopened.”

Blanco County Precinct 4 Commissioner Paul Granberg said, “My first job as a newly-elected county commissioner was to get the right-of-way for this project to build the original RM 165 bridge in 1991. Nobody ever thought we'd have an issue with flood waters on this bridge, but shortly after opening it, water almost overtopped it. To everyone's dismay, last year, the bridge was completely washed out. I'm glad the RM 165 bridge over the Blanco River has been rebuilt and is structurally safer and more secure than ever.”

Blanco County Mayor M. Bruce Peele stated, “Blanco is open for business. We've been open for business for a while, so I'm excited to see the changeable message signs removed saying the RM 165 route is closed and to start letting drivers use this newly reopened bridge again. Hopefully, we'll never have to deal with this bridge flooding again. I appreciate the work of TxDOT and Capital Excavation to get the new, stronger RM 165 bridge open.”

Austin District Engineer Terry McCoy said, “Today is a day to celebrate as we reopen the RM 165 bridge over the Blanco River after being destroyed by flood waters in May 2015. The great partnership between Blanco County, our contractor, and TxDOT made today possible. I appreciate everyone's hard work, dedication and patience over the past year as the new $1.3 million bridge was rebuilt.”

Today's top stories

Growing Interest in Construction Careers Among Younger People Means Jobs Filled, Deadlines Met

Larry Young Paving Tackles Grade-Separated Interchange in Texas

Caltrans, Crews Working to Repair Highway Landslides

FIRSTGREEN Industries Launches ROCKEAT Electric Skid Steer Loader

'Tiltrotator Effect' Increases as Energy Consumption Goes Down

VIDEO: Birmingham, Ala., Awarded $14.5M Fed Grant to Revitalize Its 'Black Main Street'

Pettibone Celebrates 75th Anniversary of Cary-Lift

Fay Preps Way for Pittsburgh International Airport Modernization Project