CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Yorktown Boulevard, near the Oso Bay mud bridge, was shut down Monday due to road damage, the Corpus Christi Police Department said in a social media post.
Corpus Christi Director of Public Works Ernesto De La Garza said the hole was created by erosion and natural aging.
"Happens on most bridges sometimes. They get old enough," De La Garza said. "You'll have high tide, low tide erode the material that's holding up the pavement material. So that's what gave in and that's what was causing a two-foot hole on the right wheel path headed westbound."
Repairs are underway and expected to take two-to-three days, according to De La Garza.
"Within a three day time frame, maybe sooner. Right now we're opening it up," De La Garza said. "It looks somewhat doable where we're going to bring in our materials. Luckily, we have the equipment, material and the staff ready to go. So they're getting it done right now as we speak."
3NEWS was kept about a mile away from the bridge, and we chose to not violate FAA regulations and fly a drone so close to NAS-CC and Waldron Field.
Eastbound traffic on Yorktown is being turned around at Krypton Drive; westbound traffic is being turned around at Arman Street.
Those looking to get to Corpus Christi from Flour Bluff or vice versa can always use Highway 358.
Residents in the area told 3NEWS that the new detours they take as a result of the bridge have extended their commute times. One resident in particular said that the age of the bride poses a major safety concern.
"As a matter of fact a couple neighbors were talking about how this bridge has been here since the 70s, and its real old, and we are concerned. We are concerned," said Corpus Christi resident Ramsey.
In mid-November, the bridge was selected to be replaced under the federal Highway Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Program. Work was expected to begin in 2026 on the replacement bridge.
Digital director Ana Tamez contributed to this developing story. Stay with 3NEWS for updates.