The recent rains have helped to force the City of Center to temporarily close a portion of Lillian Street at the lowest point where the roadway crosses the creek between Texas Highway 7 West and US Highway 96 South.

According to City Manager Chad Nehring, recent rainfall and a deteriorating culvert’s failure due to age created a dangerous situation where the street became undermined and a portion of the roadway collapsed into this void.

Nehring said all properties and driveways on Lillian Street are completely accessible, but through traffic is obstructed.

He added crews are currently filling the washed out area in an attempt to make the roadway safe for traffic until the complete reconstruction of the culverts and roadway surface can be completed.

Nehring said this specific area and drainage culverts are already included in the annual street renovation and repair program. Construction on this project should begin within two months at which time the street will again be closed for several days to accommodate necessary renovations.