06/12/2026
Join Us for the Jim Walters Road Ribbon Cutting!
Tomorrow evening, I’ll be joining Mayor Herman White, city leaders, and residents as we celebrate the official reopening of Jim Walters Road and the completion of a project that has been more than a year in the making.
In May of 2025, severe flooding completely washed out the crossing on Jim Walters Road, cutting off an important connection within the Runaway Bay road network. Later that summer, at the request of Mayor White and City Manager Steve Reynolds, I began working with the City to explore possible solutions.
After evaluating the site, our County Engineer determined the drainage area exceeded 300 acres and that a traditional culvert replacement would require a much larger structure than originally anticipated. Unfortunately, the cost of that solution was beyond the City's budget at the time.
Earlier this year, Mayor White reached back out to see if we could find another path forward. Working together, the City, Wise County, and a bridge contractor developed a bridge solution that met the City's budget while still addressing the drainage needs at the crossing.
Because Jim Walters Road serves as an important detour route when CR 1700 is closed by flooding, restoring this crossing was important not only for Runaway Bay residents, but also for county residents who rely on this route during high-water events. Last year alone, CR 1700 was closed multiple times due to flooding, creating lengthy detours when Jim Walters Road was unavailable.
Through an interlocal partnership, Wise County provided surplus bridge beams from previous county bridge projects, hauling services, and assistance with the bridge approaches and guardrails. The City of Runaway Bay funded the bridge installation and other project costs.
This project is a great example of what can happen when local governments work together to solve problems and stretch taxpayer dollars.
I hope you'll join us as we celebrate the reopening of Jim Walters Road and recognize everyone who helped make this project a reality.
Friday, June 12, 2026
6:00 PM
Jim Walters Road, Runaway Bay
Congratulations to the City of Runaway Bay , Mayor White, the City Council, city staff, our Precinct 4 crew, and everyone else who played a role in bringing this project to completion.
See you tomorrow evening!
Greater Runaway Bay Alliance
Runaway Bay Fire Department
Runaway Bay, TX & Surrounding Communities
