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Uvalde County’s FM 481 bridge to reopen this weekend ‘several weeks ahead of schedule’ after July floods, TxDOT says

TxDOT says the repairs are not complete, drivers should be cautious of workers in the area

UVALDE COUNTY, Texas – A bridge in southwest Uvalde County is expected to reopen this weekend after floodwaters left it impassable less than two months ago, the Texas Department of Public Safety said Friday.

The Farm-to-Market 481 bridge, referred to by the department as a “vital connection” in Uvalde, was restored over the past 37 days. TxDOT said it anticipates drivers will be able to travel over the Nueces River beginning Sunday.

The July 2026 Floods ravaged through South Texas and the Hill Country, leaving behind damaged communities and a partially collapsed bridge in Uvalde County.

FM 481 Bridge Collapse – Uvalde County (Texas Department of Public Safety)

Drivers were not able to pass over FM 481 due to flood damage.

An emergency repair contract for the bridge was initiated by TxDOT on July 28, and the department said it was expected to be complete by the end of September.

The reopened roadways were completed “several weeks ahead of schedule,” TxDOT said.

“We moved quickly to assess the damage and complete repairs so access could be restored as quickly and safely as possible,” Charles Benavidez, a San Antonio district engineer, said in the news release.

Uvalde County FM 481 bridge to reopen ‘several weeks ahead of schedule’ this weekend, TxDOT says (TxDOT)

It cost the department more than $3 million to repair the bridge. TxDOT said the repairs are not complete, and drivers should be cautious of workers restoring the bridge in the area.


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