Bridge rehab

In March, the Texas Department of Transportation's Laredo District plans to start to rehabilitate the 50-year-old Pecos River Bridge on Highway 90 near the historic community of Langtry.

Langtry is located 45 miles northwest of Del Rio.

The picturesque bridge, built in 1957, spans 1,300 feet and stands 270 feet above the water.

The project, which will cost $4.2 million, was let to bidders this month and awarded to SRC Construction, Inc. The firm will start work in March. It's expected to take 20 months for crews to replace and widen the bridge deck and upgrade the bridge railing.

During those 20 months, the bridge will handle to handle traffic while workers are refitting it. One-way traffic only will be allowed, with traffic signals at each end of the bridge directing traffic 24 hours a day. Special accommodations are planned to handle emergency response vehicles during construction.

“We want to emphasize that the Pecos River Bridge continues to be structurally sound and safe for the traveling public to use,” said Mario G. Medina, the TxDOT Laredo District Engineer.

“And we want drivers to know that any interruption of local and through traffic during bridge rehabilitation work will be minimal," Medina said. "Still, the traveling public should expect brief delays.”

There is an emphasis on preserving the bridge’s historic appearance, while using modern state-of-the-art materials, innovative construction methods, updated roadway design and new bridge rails.

For information, call (956)712-7416.