TXDOT crews repairing damaged I-27 overpass in North Lubbock County

LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) - TxDOT crews are working today to fix a damaged I-27 bridge, which received damage due to recent heavy rains. Public concern for the bridge’s stability grew after a facebook post addressing the issue went viral. However, a spokeswoman from TxDOT says despite the appearance, the bridge is structurally sound.

I 27. Just before the shallowater exit if you're going south is collapsing. Be careful it looks like all the support is washed out.
Posted by Martin Aleman on Sunday, August 15, 2021

TxDOT’s Lubbock Area Engineer, Michael Wittie, says that a district bridge inspector specialist noticed a small crack in the bridge, located just before the Shallowater exit, about two weeks ago. Right away TxDOT made a plan for repairs, however, Wittie says due to a delay in material and a heavy weekend rain, damages got worse.

“There was a small crack and we saw some soil, we knew there was a little bit of erosion underneath it, but no it has definitely gotten worse over the last week or so, probably with this last rain over the weekend. I know we got a little over two inches "

Despite these damages, he says the bridge remains safe for drivers. Repairs began today, and crews expect they will last for approximately two weeks. TxDOT wants to remind the public to notify them if they see any damages to bridges or roadways, but asks drivers to stay off the underside of bridges for their safety.

I-27 overpass near Shallowater exit damaged — I-27 overpass near Shallowater exit damaged(Julio Iglesias, KCBD)

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