Tree Lane Bridge over Ben’s Branch Damaged…Again
Recent heavy rains and high-density upstream development on Ben’s Branch in Montgomery County have increasingly placed pressure on the aging Ben’s Branch Bridge over Tree Lane. The bridge is immediately adjacent to Bear Branch Elementary School in Kingwood and its 638 students.
The City of Houston repaired the bridge less than three years ago in March 2020. But…
5-Year Rain Leaves Bridge Worse Than Before Repairs
I took the photo below on 1/24/23 when Kingwood experienced a five year rain according to the gage at US59.
I went back today to see what it looked like after the water went down.
The issue, in my opinion, has to do with more and more water jetting through the narrow opening of the bridge. The turbulence has undermined concrete armoring on the banks that protects bridge supports. It has also carved out a huge area in the stream just south of the bridge.
Exacerbated by Upstream Issues
The detention pond above on Ben’s Branch had its outlet wall blown out during Harvey 5.5 years ago and has not been fixed since.
An aging bridge. More water coming downstream. Insufficient mitigation. Eroding banks. 638 children. A perfect storm, so to speak. Let’s hope the City can expedite the repairs.
You encourage what you tolerate.
It’s time for people to speak up.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 1/29/23
1979 Days since Hurricane Harvey
The thoughts expressed in this post represent opinions on matters of public concern and safety. They are protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution and the Anti-SLAPP Statute of the Great State of Texas.
