BELLMEAD, Texas (KXXV) — The BU 77 bridge near US 84 was closed in 2019 for the I-35 4B project. Now it will be demolished as part of a separate project.

• The BU 77 bridge near US 84 will be demolished in the fall, weather permitting
• Alternative routes have not yet been finalized, but TXDOT has ideas for reconfiguring the intersection
• The new Unified Transportation Program includes funding details for transportation projects in Waco County

TRANSCRIPT OF THE MISSION:

Ricky Maxwell has owned an auto repair shop across from the Business 77 bridge near US 84 for over 20 years.

He says he saw and heard the building collapse.

“The bridge has become unsafe, parts are falling off,” said Maxwell.

TxDOT says it was specifically closed for safety reasons.

Despite the construction in the area, Maxwell does not believe the demolition will affect his business as he has loyal customers.

“No, it will not affect my business. I have had the same customers for a long time – they will find a way here,” he said.

Jake Smith, PIO of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), says it will be several years before the details of the demolition project are finalized.

“The long-term plan is to redesign the intersection of Business 77 and US 84. Right now, planning is ongoing, but nothing is finalized yet,” Smith said.

While plans are not finalized yet, TxDOT has some ideas in mind for the area.

“The bridge will be demolished, and that is in the process of being demolished, and then the road will be built at ground level,” Smith said.

“One possible option is a roundabout. So we have some ideas, but the planning is still ongoing,” Smith said.

Earlier this week, TxDOT released details of the new Unified Transportation Program (UTP), which lists projects planned for Waco County.

The plans include hundreds of millions of dollars allocated for projects in our county.

“Why are the governor and TxDOT investing so much money in transportation and infrastructure? Because our economy and our population are growing exponentially,” Smith said.

“We want to deliver projects that foster this anticipation of new arrivals and expand this capacity.”