I-10 Nightmare

By Gloria Way

  In an exclusive interview with The Seabreeze Beacon, Pct 4 Commissioner Ryan Dagley spoke on the lack of communication between TxDOT and Chambers County officials regarding the repairs on the I-10 bridge over the Trinity River.

  “The TxDOT bridge repair project in Chambers County began several months ago with minimal input from local elected officials. My fellow commissioners and I and Sheriff Brian Hawthorne recently convened two meetings with TxDOT and local stakeholders to tackle the severe disruptions this work has caused our community.

  We have been assured by TxDOT of improved communication and revised traffic management strategies aimed at enhancing efficiency during lane closures. TxDOT explained that the situation remains highly dynamic, with traffic patterns shifting frequently due to out-of-town drivers, and even some local drivers who attempt to bypass delays by using feeder roads and accessing ramps just before the westbound lane closures. These behaviors have led to multiple accidents and further congestion. In response, TxDOT is now restricting feeder road access to local traffic only and has closed the on ramps to promote safer merging and greater patience among drivers.

  I am deeply disappointed in TxDOT’s handling of the project’s outset and urge them to rectify the issues with a more effective plan to complete the work promptly and responsibly.”

  Here is the latest press release from TxDOT regarding the I-10 Trinity River Bridge project.

  The maintenance project continues at the Trinity River Bridge and the  Old and Lost River Bridge.

  The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), in coordination with our contractor, Ragle,  Inc., will close the IH-10 westbound frontage road at Wallisville-Liberty Road on Monday,  December 29.

  During the closure, motorists will be directed to use the turnaround at Wallisville-Liberty Road,  proceed along the IH-10 eastbound frontage road, and access IH-10 westbound at the on-ramp  at FM 563.

  This traffic adjustment is being implemented to enhance safety and to encourage drivers to use  the mainlanes of IH-10.

  This closure is in addition to the previously announced closure of the IH-10 westbound entrance  ramp at the Trinity River, which began Tuesday, December 23. 

  Both closures are in collaboration with the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas  Department of Public Safety (DPS).

   Additional closures are anticipated and will be shared soon. TxDOT appreciates the public’s  patience and cooperation during this important maintenance effort.

  Please follow our social media pages for the latest updates on this project.

– Facebook @TxDOTBeaumontTX 

– X @TxDOTBeaumont 

– Instagram @txdotbeaumont 

– The “Nextdoor” app.

Contact: Tanya Avila at [email protected] or 409-898-5745.

*An update from Pct 1 Commissioner Jimmy Gore – I’ve been in close communication with TxDOT, DPS, and Chambers County Sheriff Brian Hawthorne’s Office regarding the traffic issues caused by the I-10 construction. Through strong coordination with local partners — DPS, CCSO, and our Constables — we’ve been able to put several measures in place to improve safety and traffic flow, including:

• Signage on I-10 near the Anahuac/Hankamer exits encouraging travelers to remain on the main lanes and noting frontage roads are for local traffic only
• Additional signage on local roads limiting through traffic
• Increased law enforcement presence in key areas

While this situation has certainly brought its share of headaches, Chambers County has once again shown what we do best — work together, communicate, and do everything we can to protect our residents and keep our roads as safe as possible.

As always, if you need assistance or have concerns, please don’t hesitate to call me directly. I’m here to help. 1 409 267 5412.