Despite swifter current TXDOT re-opens Slab Road (RR 3404) in Kingsland
Frank Shubert/The Highlander
Commuter and bus routes resumed as usual Nov. 13, as Texas Department of Transportation crews re-opened Ranch Road 3404 to traffic following nearly a month-long closure due to Oct. 16 Llano River flooding.
Connie Swinney
Staff Writer
The Texas Department of Transportation opted to re-open Slab Road (Ranch Road 3404) in Kingsland Nov. 13, despite concerns about whether the river-swollen roadway was safe for vehicle traffic.
Following the Oct. 16 Llano River flooding originating from Junction-area stormwater runoff, officials closed the roadway due to swift water and dangerous conditions. The closure changed Llano Independent School District bus routes and prompted commuters to search for detours.
Slab Road is one of two main thoroughfares in the Kingsland community which takes commuters south to Texas 71. The other roadway, Ranch-to-Market 2900, was closed due to flood waters washing away the bridge, at confluence of the Llano River and Lake LBJ. TXDOT has placed reconstruction of a new RM 2900 bridge on a six-month timeline for completion.
Motorists see RR 3404 signs on the section of Slab Road which connects to Ranch Road 1431; however the roadway label changes to CR 307 on the other end of the water-covered crossing in the direction of Texas 71 to the south.
Nearly a month after flood conditions subsided, TXDOT officials assessed the safety of the roadway and added a few pavement improvements.
“When they first opened it, I got calls where (motorists) thought the water was still moving a little too fast,” Llano County Office of Emergency Management Coordinator Ron Anderson said. “TXDOT said it is safe to drive.”
Officials offered safety reassurances.
“At the level it is at currently where the water is flowing over the slab is the threshold they've been using for years,” Anderson said. “There may be some more swifter water on the 3404 side because of the changes in the river.”
