LUBBOCK COUNTY, Texas– Several viewers reached out to EverythingLubbock.com in reference to a portion of Interstate 27 that appeared to be damaged near the exit to Shallowater (FM 1294 exit) in North Lubbock County.
RELATED STORY: 2nd overpass confirmed with damage, TxDOT explains repairs already underway
A photojournalist took several photos of the exit, and it showed lots of cracking and deterioration. It appeared the southbound exit to Farm to Market road 1294 was where the main damage was.
Material appeared to be washed out from the overpass onto the roadway below in the images taken by our photojournalist.
EverythingLubbock.com reached out to the Texas Department of Transportation for a possible comment on the situation. Read that statement below:
Interstate 27 at the FM 1294 exit, as seen August 15, 2021 (Nexstar/Staff) 
Interstate 27 at the FM 1294 exit, as seen August 15, 2021 (Nexstar/Staff) 
Interstate 27 at the FM 1294 exit, as seen August 15, 2021 (Nexstar/Staff) 
Interstate 27 at the FM 1294 exit, as seen August 15, 2021 (Nexstar/Staff) 
Interstate 27 at the FM 1294 exit, as seen August 15, 2021 (Nexstar/Staff) 
Interstate 27 at the FM 1294 exit, as seen August 15, 2021 (Nexstar/Staff) 
Interstate 27 at the FM 1294 exit, as seen August 15, 2021 (Nexstar/Staff) 
Interstate 27 at the FM 1294 exit, as seen August 15, 2021 (Nexstar/Staff) 
Interstate 27 at the FM 1294 exit, as seen August 15, 2021 (Nexstar/Staff) 
Interstate 27 at the FM 1294 exit, as seen August 15, 2021 (Nexstar/Staff) 
Interstate 27 at the FM 1294 exit, as seen August 15, 2021 (Nexstar/Staff) 
Interstate 27 at the FM 1294 exit, as seen August 15, 2021 (Nexstar/Staff) 
Interstate 27 at the FM 1294 exit, as seen August 15, 2021 (Nexstar/Staff) 
Interstate 27 at the FM 1294 exit, as seen August 15, 2021 (Nexstar/Staff)
The following is a statement from TxDOT below:
Our district bridge inspector specialist noticed the concrete damage about two weeks ago after a rain storm. He notified the area engineer and maintenance section, inspected the bridge as soon as the damage was noticed to verify it was safe for traffic, and TxDOT began making a plan to make repairs to the bridge slope and damaged concrete.
A plan to make repairs was put in place but as the crews waited for materials, the area received another round of heavy rain, which has caused more damage, including the rains on Friday.
Crews are onsite today to begin repair work. The work is expected to take about two weeks to complete. The frontage road that wraps around and through the bridges will be closed to traffic to allow crews to safely make the repairs and stage equipment. Drivers should also anticipate I-27 shoulder closures. We have contacted the businesses in the area to let them know about the work and frontage road closure.
We encourage the public to contact us when they do see areas of concern on our bridges and roadways, but advise them to stay off the underside of bridges for their safety. TxDOT crews are trained and experienced to work in and make repairs to areas with difficult or hazardous terrain, take the necessary safety precautions and have the equipment needed to operate safely.
