July 12, 2016 - An emergency contract has been approved for repairs to begin on SH 7 in Shelby County after March floods caused slope failures at two separate locations of the roadway.
Drewery Construction, contractor for the $2.6 million construction project, is expected to begin work by early next week, weather permitting. Two locations suffered flood damage, including a larger failure located 1.1 miles west of FM 711 to 1.9 miles west of FM 711 and a smaller failure 2.2 miles west of FM 711 to 2.9 miles west of FM 711.
The work at each location will include placing temporary traffic barriers in the eastbound lane of SH 7. Preparation will begin which includes soil nail walls that will help prevent the roadway from further failure during construction. Once the soil nail wall is installed, the slopes will be reconstructed with geogrid reinforcement to prevent future slope failures. The roadway will then be restored to pre-failure condition and new guard rail will be placed at both locations.
Due to the severity of the slope failure, a consultant engineering firm was enlisted to determine the scope of the work and negotiate a contract that would complete the design. Surveying and geotechnical work was also completed. Completion of the work was delayed by additional flooding.
“Only two bids were received for this project and both were substantially higher than original estimates,” said Rhonda Oaks, public information officer for the Lufkin District. “The delay in beginning this project stemmed from the fact that we had to receive approval which solidified the funding for the estimate overage. We were notified Monday that the bid was approved and awarded.”
As work begins, motorists are urged to obey all traffic signs and reduce speed near the construction project. Delays should be expected as the traffic is narrowed to one lane and flaggers or pilot cars will direct motorists through the project. Be alert to moving equipment and workers. Remember, traffic fines double when workers are present.
For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or (936) 633-4395.
