Fannett Residents Raise Safety Concerns Over TxDOT's Planned FM 365 Overpass Demolition

The Texas Department of Transportation's demolition of the FM 365 overpass on I-10 worries locals who rely on it daily.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 12:06am

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An abstract, blurred image of a busy highway interchange, with streaks of color and motion conveying the chaos and disruption of the planned overpass demolition.The planned demolition of a crucial overpass raises safety concerns for a Texas community reliant on its daily use.Fannett Today

The Texas Department of Transportation's planned demolition of the FM 365 overpass on Interstate 10 has raised safety concerns for residents of Fannett, Texas who use the overpass regularly. Locals say the closure will force drivers, including school buses and heavy trucks, onto alternate roads that may not be equipped to handle the increased traffic, potentially leading to accidents and road damage.

Why it matters

The FM 365 overpass is a crucial access point for Fannett residents to reach schools, jobs, and other destinations. Its demolition will disrupt daily routines and force traffic onto smaller roads, raising safety risks in the community.

The details

TxDOT plans to begin demolishing the FM 365 overpass on I-10 this Friday and complete the work by Monday. Residents like Byron Hlavinka and Michael Depew say they rely on the overpass multiple times a day and are worried about the impact on school buses, heavy trucks, and other vehicles that will have to use alternate routes. Jefferson County Sheriff Zena Stephens also expressed concerns that the increased traffic on roads not built for it could lead to accidents and damage.

  • The demolition is expected to begin on Friday, April 11, 2026 and continue through Sunday, April 13, 2026.
  • TxDOT plans to complete the demolition by Monday, April 14, 2026.
  • The agency says a new overpass will be rebuilt by late 2026.

The players

Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)

The state agency responsible for planning and executing the demolition and reconstruction of the FM 365 overpass on Interstate 10.

Byron Hlavinka

A Fannett resident who says his family relies on the overpass to access schools and other destinations multiple times per day.

Michael Depew

A Fannett resident who frequently uses the overpass to avoid what he considers more dangerous routes.

Zena Stephens

The sheriff of Jefferson County, Texas, who expressed concerns about the safety risks of increased traffic on roads not built to handle heavy vehicles.

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What they’re saying

“So on a daily basis, we have to cross overpass at least twice a day to access school.”

— Byron Hlavinka, Fannett Resident

“I actually, personally, probably five or six times a day go over that overpass to 124, because it's a little bit safer passage.”

— Michael Depew, Fannett Resident

“When you put dump trucks and 18-wheelers and school buses and all those heavy vehicles on roads that weren't built for that, it tears them up. And we already know one accident, one broken vehicle shuts down the interstate for hours.”

— Zena Stephens, Jefferson County Sheriff

What’s next

TxDOT officials say they have already driven the detour routes and will address any issues before demolition begins. The agency also said safety remains a top priority and encouraged motorists to report any roadway concerns.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges communities face when major infrastructure projects disrupt established transportation routes. It raises questions about TxDOT's planning process, the agency's communication with local residents, and the broader need to balance progress with community safety and quality of life.