Schulenburg Endorses Hwy. 77 Overpass Option

Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) plans to replace the battered old US 77 underpass in Schulenburg. Oversized loads often strike the old bridge that carries the railroad tracks over the current highway underpass. After one such incident back in April, Tx-DOT told the Record they were looking at options to improve the clearance issues with the old underpass, which was built in 1935. At a Schulenburg City Council meeting two weeks ago, TxDOT presented the City with two options – a deeper underpass or a new overpass. TxDOT asked for the Council’s preference. At the following meeting this Monday, Oct. 17, the Council voted to endorse the overpass option by a vote of 4-0. Councilman Greg Thomas was absent.

Preliminary plans call for a bridge with a clearance of 30 feet from the railroad tracks. The south end of the new bridge would begin near the Schulenburg Public Library between Simpson St. and Baumgarten St. The north end of the bridge would be located between Anderson St. and N. Main.

City Administrator Tami Walker said the benefits to the overpass option include less business disruptions, it could eliminate Loop 222 as an oversize truck route, eliminate potential drainage issues with the underpass, the existing railroad bridge could remain in place, and it would allow for four lanes.

Walker said N. Main, S. Main and Simpson Streets would be able to pass under the overpass. Walker said the overpass could cut off access to an alley way, and construction could lead to some residential impacts.

“Records indicate that the bridge was hit 17 times in five years,” Walker told the Record. “The day we met with TxDOT, the bridge was hit for the 18th time.”

“TxDOT representatives were looking for input to proceed with the engineering and planning and to make efforts to secure funding,” Walker said. “This project is projected out for 5 years.”