TxDOT Update Jan. 15

This post is to notify you of new lane closures for the SH146 project:

1. The north (inbound) channel, directly under the SH146 bridge, will be completely closed beginning Monday 1/20/20.  The south (outbound) channel will be re-opened the same day once the construction equipment is moved to the north channel.  This closure will be in place continuously for at least one month (depending on construction progress).  This closure will allow the contractor to drive concrete piles and constructing new bridge foundations.

   1. Please be advised that the south (outbound) channel will have two-way traffic during this time.  The two-way traffic will be managed as follows:

                                             i.    Traffic will be directed by a green and red signal on each side of the channel, indicating allowed direction of travel in the channel based on time.  The time interval is 5 minutes per direction.  This is based on feedback from the boating community and the U. S. Coast Guard.

                                            ii.    Flagging vessels plan to use radio channel 16 to communicate with approaching vessels.  Please pay attention to the radio and to message boards near the channel for any updates.

                                           iii.    Flaggers on boats will direct traffic during daylight working hours on weekends.

                                           iv.    To assist boaters in navigating through the correct channel, chains of red round buoys will be placed delineating the edge of the travel to the open channel, and prevent boaters from entering the closed channel.

                                            v.    At various times law enforcement assets will be on-scene to included Galveston County Sheriff’s Marine Division and U.S. Coast Guard to ensure adherence to this marine traffic management plan.

   1. Message boards have been placed on both approaches to the channel to assist with notifying approaching vessels.

   1. Additional closures will continue to take place throughout the SH146 project as both sides of the existing bridge are widened and a new express bridge is constructed.  Notifications will be sent prior to future closures.

These closures are subject to change if needed due to weather.  Uniformed Police Officers will be onsite to assist if needed.