What’s happening?
The Grogan’s Point Nature Trail Pathway Bridge sustained significant damage from Hurricane Beryl and the 2024 flooding events.
On May 28, the board approved a $62,750 study from Halff Associates Inc. to gauge the course of action to fix or replace the bridge.
The proposals discussed Oct. 16 ranged from $407,797 to $958,454.
The breakdown
Chief Operating Officer Chris Nunes presented multiple options to the board:
Proposal 1: Bridge repair
This proposal would keep the original alignment of the bridge and include erosion protection, new pipes and concrete on each side of the bridge.
- Cost: $407,797
- Timeline: nine to 12 months
This proposal would replace both bridges with either steel trusses, wood or concrete decks. The replacement bridge would also include concrete approaches, wing walls and slope protection.
- Cost: $958,454
- Timeline: nine to 12 months
The proposal includes a new, single full-span structure bridge in one location with no internal piers. It would include new clearings, access and easements. There would be a quarter-mile pathway required to use this location.
- Cost: $850,000
- Timeline: 16 to 20 months
The proposal would replace the Montgomery County bridge on Sawdust Road and Panther Creek. It would require new easements and a pipeline agreement.
- Cost: $550,000
- Timeline: up to five years
What they’re saying
Nunes said the bridge will eventually need to be replaced, even if the board votes to repair it.
“You know $550,000 is today's dollars, not 20 years [from now] dollars when you might need it,” Nunes said. “But at least start that process or give direction to staff to identify the easements, work to get the easements in advance. So, if and when this were to happen next time, we're already ready.”
All options other than a bridge replacement presented before the board are “Band-Aid” options, Vice Chairman Craig Eissler said. However, the board needs to reinstate access to the bridge for the residents as soon as possible, he said.
“There is concern that one piece of the island is going to continue to erode no matter what we do. [Proposals] one, two or three, those bridges are going to be 8 feet below the flood plain, they're going to flood often and multiple times and with the potential of debris, trees and running into it and slamming into it, the ultimate, ideal, long- term solution is item four,” Eissler said.
What’s next
The board approved Proposal 1, a bridge repair, with a 4-2 vote and officials said they will create the 2027 budget with Proposal 4 in mind, which would give residents a new bridge.
