Construction to demolish, rebuild Brooks overpass, partially shut down I-10 for the weekend in Beaumont

BEAUMONT, Texas — If you live on Brooks Road or use the Brooks Road overpass near Ford Park in Beaumont to get to your destination, that is all about to change, at least for a year.

The Texas Department of Transportation will tear the current overpass down and rebuild a new one about two feet higher.

Kathi Weathington Hughes was one of several people who did not want TxDOT to tear down the Brooks Road overpass.

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Initially TxDOT was not going to build a new overpass, but ended up finding money in the budget to make the changes. 

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"Yes we really did fight to keep the Brooks Road overpass," said Kathi Weathington Hughes, Director of Ben J. Rogers Regional Visitors Center.

Hughes' initial objection to the project was not only the effect it would have on her commute but how it will affect people coming to the visitors center.

Starting Friday, July 12, at 2 p.m., the overpass on Brooks Road will close.

At 9 p.m., alternating routes on Interstate 10 eastbound and westbound will close. The interstate will remain closed until 5 a.m. Monday morning.

If the demolition is not completed by the weekend, TxDOT will do the closures and times all over again the following weekend.

This weekend's demolition is all part of phase three of the I-10 widening project.

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The widening project stretches from FM 365 at the interstate, all the way to Walden Road.

There would also be improved access at Smith Road, along with improved drainage and the extension of frontage roads west of Smith Road.

"We know it is frustrating and we are trying to get it completed as soon as possible. Once it is completed I know everyone is going to enjoy the whole corridor. It's going to be much safer," said Sarah Dupre, spokesperson for the Texas Department of Transportation.

Drivers are asked to use caution in the area and find alternate routes.

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One possible route is to go down Fannett Road. You can exit at either Major Drive or Walden road depending on which direction you traveling.

For Hughes, this project will be worth it.

"It's great that they are doing to be putting up a new overpass and not just taking it out cause it would be really difficult on the visitors," said Hughes.