Waiver granted to demolish US 281 bridge in Marble Falls

MARBLE FALLS, Texas - The Texas Department of Transportation received approval to use explosives for the demolition of the old U.S. 281 highway bridge over Lake Marble Falls.

The Lower Colorado River Authority gave the final go-ahead to use explosives on Thursday. The temporary waiver is active March 17 through April 8.

TxDOT hopes to complete the demolition between March 17-23. The final date will depend on obtaining required supplies and weather conditions.

In order for the waiver provided by the LCRA to become effective, TxDOT must inform several groups, including the City of Marble Fall, LCRA Rangers, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Burnet County Sheriff's Office. TxDOT must notify these groups of the demolition by March 7 and include safety and emergency response plans no later than March 11.

The demolition contractor must also hold a permit from the State Fire Marshall.