KAUFMAN COUNTY – On Wednesday evening, September 10, the FM 1836 bridge over Cedar Creek relief #2, collapsed after a tractor trailer pulling a track hoe drove over the two-lane bridge that was load posted for a maximum of 24,000 pounds per axle. Further investigation revealed the tractor and track hoe weighed approximately 100,000 pounds. A vehicle following the equipment also fell when the collapse took place.

The truck and equipment, which were crossing the bridge when it collapsed, were part of the R.K. Hall construction crew who were beginning to rebuild the bridge. The 150 foot bridge has been under construction for three months.

The Texas Department of Transportation has closed FM 1836 at the Cedar Creek Relief #2 bridge location pending a complete forensic analysis and inspection of the structure in order to determine and confirm why the bridge failed.

Detour signs have been placed marking the route to assist drivers traveling along FM 1836. Routes include:

• Southbound on FM 1836 – will be detoured north on FM 2515 in Rand to SH 243 in Ola. Then, traffic will proceed east on SH 243 until FM 47 in Van Zandt County. Traffic can then head south on FM 47 to FM 90 in Prairieville.
• Northbound on FM 1836 – will be detoured east on FM 90 in Prairieville to FM 47 in Van Zandt County. Then, traffic will proceed north on FM 47 to SH 243. Traffic can then head west on SH 243 until FM 2515 in Ola, then south on FM 2515 to FM 1836 in Rand.

TxDOT and R.K. Hall would like to apologize for any inconvenience, and thank area drivers, residents, and local businesses for their continued patience and cooperation as crew work diligently to reopen FM 1836 as soon, and as safely, as possible.