TxDOT to repair section of SH 82

If you use SH 82 between SH 73 and SH 87, here is something you definitely want to pay attention to.

Beginning January 9th, TxDOT will begin resurfacing the highway and replacing the bridge at Alligator Bayou. While it is a relatively small job, it could have a big impact on your morning commute, especially for you refinery/plant workers. (TxDOT held off this project for about two years due to the expansions at various industry, especially at Motiva)

This section of highway has quite a bit of traffic. Shift change can almost make traveling the highway unbearable. That's why the department is trying to minimize as much impact as possible.

The contractor, in this case APAC-TX, will kick off most of their work after the morning shift change. So, your morning commute should be normal. However, the afternoon commute may be a bit longer. Shift change traffic starts around 4:30 and 5 p.m.. APAC hopes to begin taking down their traffic control setup right before the change. However, it takes time to remove all the cones, etc. So, you might run across some extra delays.

Why are we even doing this project? First, the Alligator Bayou bridge needs replacing. It's a matter of safety. Second, the roadway is in need of some major repairs. Roads don't heal themselves.

Why don't we do this work at night? The biggest reason is it drives the cost of the project into some major dollars. Concrete and asphalt plants aren't open at night. So, doing any type of work after hours makes it way too expensive.

What can you expect? Some lane closures during the daytime. Also, some delays.

What can you do? Probably the best advice is to carpool with a group of people. Four people in one vehicle takes three vehicles off the road. Allow plenty of time and don't get frustrated. Workers don't like being out on the roadway closing lanes any more than you like being stuck in traffic. Look at it this way: Your tax dollars are at work going into concrete, steel and asphalt. Some inconvenience? Yes. But in the end you get a safer bridge and resurfaced highway.

We will keep you updated. In the meantime, keep safe and watch out for workers.

Marc S.