For Immediate Release: July 01, 2021

Since the beginning of the 117th Congress, Congressman Pete Sessions (TX-17) has worked diligently with officials from McLennan County and the City of Waco to determine top infrastructure needs. Waco Mayor Dillon Meek and McLennan County Judge Scott Felton expressed the necessity for a Speegleville Road Bridge at the Middle Bosque River. As a result, Congressman Sessions took on the responsibility of advocating for this project on Capitol Hill. 

On June 22, 2021, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure announced the projects that would receive funding for Fiscal Year 2022, including the Speegleville Road Bridge project. Central Texans will benefit from this project as it expands and improves the roadway to alleviate traffic congestion and provide pedestrian access to the new River Valley Middle School. 

Congressman Sessions worked meticulously with Mayor Meek, Judge Felton, and the Committee to explain the merits of this project in a growing area of the community and ultimately bring this project through the approval process. On July 1, 2021, the House of Representatives passed HR 3684, including the Speegleville Road Bridge project, and will now move forward to the Senate. Congressman Sessions will work closely with Senators Cornyn and Cruz with the hope of seeing this project through Senate approval and to construction as he listened to local leaders and went to work getting this important project elevated and funded.

Pete Sessions, Congressman for Texas' 17th Congressional District
"The Speegleville Road Bridge project will improve the lives of citizens in McLennan County. This was an important first step in the legislation process, but we have a lot left to do," stated Congressman Pete Sessions. "When McLennan County advances, Texas advances. When Texas advances, the United States of America advances. I look forward to working with our great Texas Senators to move the ball forward on this project."

Dillon Meek, Mayor of Waco, Texas
"We are thrilled to learn that HR 3684 includes authorization for funding $8,379,000 for the Speegleville Bridge at the Middle Bosque River. We want to thank Congressman Sessions for his diligent efforts to secure this funding for our community," said Mayor Meek. "Waco is committed to improving Waco’s infrastructure so that our city may continue to grow and this project embodies that goal.  And with the procurement of this funding, we look forward to moving forward with this project in the days ahead!"

Scott Felton, McLennan County Judge
"The Speegleville Road Bridge project has been one of our priority projects for several years. I am very pleased that funding was awarded in the Surface Transportation bill and thank Congressman Sessions for his work to make sure the project was included," said Judge Felton. "This bridge connects two significant roadway expansion projects, and the federally funded improvements will reduce traffic congestion at the existing bridge. With this federal funding, we will be able to make dedicated sidewalk improvements and provide increased protection for pedestrians in this area, including students who walk to a nearby school. We are glad to be able to move this project towards completion."

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