Governor Abbott Praises TxDOT Debris Removal Efforts
Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has now collected more than 2.4 million cubic feet, or 45 football fields, of debris left behind Hurricane Harvey in roadways across the four districts hardest hit by the storm. TxDOT is continuing to assist in the removal of debris from roadsides in Corpus Christi, Houston, Beaumont and a number of areas along the Gulf Coast region.
"One of the most important areas of focus while we continue recovery from Harvey is the removal if debris in areas affected by the storm," said Governor Abbott. "This is a tall order, but I want to assure Texans that TxDOT is up to the challenge and has already made great progress. We will not rest until this important job is finished, and we are working to do so as quickly as possible."
“We have made some remarkable progress in recent days by bringing additional TxDOT employees from across Texas to impacted areas, as we continue to help those communities needing assistance,” said Texas Transportation Commission Chairman J. Bruce Bugg, Jr. “I am so proud of the men and women of TxDOT who have so selflessly given their time and energy to this clean-up – some while even dealing with their own personal losses.”
More than 600 employees from all 25 TxDOT districts are involved in debris removal in areas impacted by Hurricane Harvey. There are only eight remaining road closures due to debris or flooding, and more than 4,200 bridges have been inspected since the storm hit with only 14 requiring some repair.
Houston: Crews are removing debris throughout the area on state roads and supporting roadside debris removal in the cities of Houston and League City, as well as Harris and Montgomery counties. About 200 TxDOT employees from outside Houston are part of that effort.
Corpus Christi: Crews are picking up and removing debris primarily in Rockport and surrounding areas of Aransas County. About 200 TxDOT employees are actively involved in efforts there.
Beaumont: Crews are picking up and removing debris in Jefferson and Hardin Counties as well as the city of Rose Hill Acres.
Debris removal efforts are also underway in Dewitt and Wharton Counties and towns of Seadrift and Bay City, located within TxDOT’s Yoakum district.