Temporary crossing nearly complete after bridge damage cuts off Travis County community

LEANDER, Texas (KXAN) — A tight-knit community in western Travis County is relying on volunteers for supplies after flash floods made the bridge at Big Sandy Road and Round Mountain Road impassable.

“It’s been heck, it’s been heck. But you know this community is great and the donations were great for us too and we thank y’all,” said Nathan Evers, a Sandy Creek resident.

Now, Travis County says its temporary solution, a low water crossing next to the bridge, is near completion. As of the end of the work day Sunday, Travis County estimated it was 90% complete.

“Our goal was to open it up today [Sunday] but because of the weather that we’ve seen we’re going to open it up in the morning [Monday] assuming the weather cooperates,” Travis County Judge Andy Brown said.

Brown also said the county made a deal with a local ranch, which has opened up a low water crossing on private property for use by first responders and people who live in the Sandy Creek neighborhood with trucks or vehicles with high clearance.

“It’s not as good as this bridge will be because my understanding it really only allows higher clearance vehicles to get through it, trucks and things with higher clearance,” Brown said.

Travis County is also concurrently working on medium and long-term solutions for the bridge.

“Oh that’s gonna get everybody in and out, so to go to work, and come back, see their families. And wow you know, about time, it’s about time,” Evers said.