Representatives from TxDOT held a Public Meeting in Bridge City Wednesday afternoon at the Community Center to gather feedback from residents and commuters about Texas Avenue, also known as State Highway 73 (SH73).
TxDOT made large maps of the approximate three mile stretch of Texas Ave. that runs through the city and allowed visitors to put Post-It notes in particular areas of concern.
Suggestions such as the poor drainage at Texas Ave. and Roundbunch during a rain event were mentioned as well as the “boat ride” feeling you get going over the swing bridge.
One visitor told KOGT that he believes a stop light should be placed at the John St. intersection near the post office because it has become very busy with the increased traffic on Ferry Drive. He suggested the light at the Osbourne Rd. intersection could be removed because there are now more ways to get out of the BC High School parking lot.
Another written suggestion said that because of a proposed apartment complex behind Chicken Express, more attention needs to be given to the intersection of Lamesa and Texas Ave.
TxDOT will review all of the information they received and have another public meeting in the Spring of 2027 before announcing a “Recommended Implementation Plan.”
“We’re excited to see that TxDOT is listening to our citizens concerns and what improvements they are wanting,” said Mayor Aaron Roccaforte. “I feel like it’s going to help improve traffic flow and the safety now and for the future of our city.”
TxDOT also provided some interesting information. They report SH 73 has 252 driveways spaced approximately 104 ft apart, approximately 3.5 times closer than TxDOT’s 360 ft. guideline. They reported 951 crashes from 2020 to 2025, 1.7 times higher than the statewide average for similar corridors. More than 700 were non-injury accidents. Three were fatal.
Reportedly Texas Ave. receives approximately 37,700 vehicles daily, an increase of 1.5% every year from 2015-25.
The swing bridge is 806 feet long and was built in 1940. It is one of only three center bearing swing bridges left in Texas according to TxDOT.
If you couldn’t make the meeting KOGT has posted the video that was shown below. Also TxDOT would appreciate anyone that travels Texas Ave. to locate the QR code below and record your comments about the project.
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