It's an all too familiar situation as low water crossings on Fort Hood become dangerous rapids in stormy weather. For the 450-foot long Old Georgetown Road Bridge, what some know as Jackson's Crossing, it will now be a safer drive.
"Over the years, we put our folks in great danger trying to cross here because, as I described, it was specifically designed to allow water to cross, during a storm event, for water to come over top of the road and it was really, the driver had to make a decision whether he was going to cross or not cross," Brian Dosa, the Fort Hood Director of Public Works said.
Dosa said they had tanks and Bradley military vehicles actually wash away at that exact location. Fort Hood officials said Cow House Creek may seem docile, at only about one foot deep, but that can quickly change during storms. They said the creek can rise, reaching depths of 12 to 15 feet.
"In a matter of minutes, it can become treacherous and life-threatening. This bridge goes a long way in reducing risk associated with major hydrology hazards and brings us peace of mind," Major General J.T. Thomson, III, III Corps Deputy Commanding General said.
The new bridge, a $9.7 million dollar endeavor, allows all weather 24/7 access for the Army and for the public driving through that portion to or from North Fort Hood.
"This bridge is designed to pass what's called a 25-year flood. And so, statistically, a flood that would happen every 25 years would safely pass underneath this bridge," Dosa said.
The bridge replaces an old condemned bridge and a low-water crossing, according to Fort Hood officials.
But even with the improvement, there are still numerous low-water crossings on Fort Hood and the motto "Turn Around, Don't Drown," remains.