Press release
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) announced closures for FM 1616 in Athens for emergency repairs. The first closure is set to occur Wednesday, June 8.
According to TxDOT, pipes that run under the roadway have to be replaced necessitating two separate closures of the roadway. FM 1616 is currently being widened with the project on schedule to be completed in the summer. The contractor, Big Creek Construction, discovered problems within the existing culverts during inspections for the widening project. Continued storms caused the issues to require immediate attention.
FM 1616 will close Wednesday (from 1.75 miles north of Loop 7 to a mile south of FM 2752) and will remain closed for about four days as repairs are made to the pipes, weather permitting. Work could also continue during the weekend. Motorists must use alternate routes to reach their destinations.
The roadway will open to traffic for a few days before being closed for additional repairs at the same location. Details of the exact date and duration of the second closure will be forthcoming. Motorists will again have to use other routes.
This will be an active work zone so motorists should use caution and obey all traffic control devices put in place for everyone’s safety.