Death At Popular Recreation Spot Proves To Be More Than Just Water Under The Bridge

With the death of another tuber on the Guadalupe River looming over the heads of city officials, the residents of Gruene, Texas are demanding something be done about a 98 year old bridge that is responsible for the death of a 49yr old Austin man. A suburb of New Braunfels, Gruene is a popular destination for Texas recreation enthusiast for its pristine Hill Country atmosphere and close proximity to the Guadalupe River. The Bridge in question is a low narrow slab of concrete that is quickly submerged in the frequent Texas deluges and also collects much of the debris that floats down the river. Below in the water, tubers either collide with the bridge during higher water levels or become trapped under the aged bridge surrounded by dangerous debris, while walking on the narrow passage poses a threat to pedestrians who are separated from the passing traffic by mere inches. Prior to the latest fatality, the Department of Transportation drafted plans to raise the bridge 5 feet to keep the road above water and lessen the risk to tubers but weeks before construction, the Texas Historical Commission halted plans once again to see if they could work to preserve the historical bridge. The request to preserve the bridge will go before a review board of the Texas Historical Commission headed by F. Lawerence Oaks and begin the long process of stagnate debates and meetings on the now 10 year project. I do not understand why city officials are not acting in a responsible manner and repairing the bridge to protect the thousands who travel to the tubing hotspot and in turn add substantial amounts to the city revenue. I have actually driven over and floated to the Gruene Bridge and it is obvious to anyone that its safety capabilities are questionable. Rather than debate about the historical context of the bridge, officials should be more concerned with protecting tubers and pedestrians before another incident prompts the end of the popular Texas water activity in this Hill Country town.