For years, residents and public officials have discussed the pros and cons of building a new bridge in northeast Benbrook.
The latest iteration involves a plan to span the Clear Fork Branch of the Trinity to create easy access for emergency vehicles in an area that has long been divided by the river. But the proposal is not finding favor with everyone. More than ten homeowner associations have banded together to protest the most recent bridge proposal put forth by the Benbrook City Council.
Advocates of the bridge say it will provide easier access for emergency vehicles and thereby drastically reduce the emergency response time for certain neighborhoods in Northeast Benbrook. Though city officials have stated the bridge will only be available for emergency vehicles, many citizens hope that creating easier access and more local traffic will eventually help lure commercial development to the city and infuse the area with new business life.
“The Benbrook City Council has been clear that this is an emergency access-only bridge.” – Mayor Dittrich
Information About the Proposed Bridge
- Would connect the I-20/820 access road to Bellaire Drive South just north of I-20
- Will only be eligible for use by fire and ambulance vehicles
- The expected cost is to be approximately $1.5 million
Bridge opponents fear that building such a bridge will invite a surge in traffic and crime in the otherwise tranquil neighborhood. Opponents are also skeptical of the emergency response justification for the bridge, stating that the current response times are adequate. They also anticipate the City of Benbrook eventually opening the bridge for full public use later down the road. See why here.
“Neither the Benbrook Mayor nor the Benbrook City council can be legally bound to keep the Clear Fork Bridge for emergency access only. A contract of this nature would not provide any guarantee as to the bridge’s future use.” – clearforkbridge.com
Helpful links:
Last week, a town hall meeting was scheduled to discuss the bridge project. The meeting was supposed to provide a platform for interested citizens to share concerns about the bridge and to let the voices of bridge opponents be heard by City Council members. However, the opportunity to opine to city officials was vanquished by Texas Open Meeting rules that discouraged the City Council members from gathering and forming a quorum in such an environment.
What do you think? Would it be for the betterment of Benbrook to build such a bridge and provide easier access for emergency vehicles and future business use? Will such a project lessen the quality of life for several Benbrook residents? Is the risk worth the possible reward? Let us know where you stand by posting in the comments section below.
