Rocks are Breaking Windshields on U.S. 277

Drivers traversing U.S. 277 south of San Angelo towards Christoval have fallen victim to having their windshields broken by flying rocks. Several readers of LIVE! have called to ask us to look into the matter.

Complaints are heard by the Texas Department of Transportation, according to regional spokeswoman Karen A. Threlkeld.

The roadway there was recently re-paved, and TxDOT is aware that rocks in the asphalt are not staying attached to the tar. “TxDOT is aware of the problem and is also disappointed with the quality of this project. In the short term, we are trying to sweep the roadway frequently to remove loose rocks,” Threlkeld said in an email.

Threlkeld said that TxDOT is examining a long-term solution, but a fix to the asphalt in the winter months is not optimal. “We are currently investigating options for the longer term solution. Performing asphalt repairs in the wintertime is difficult because of the temperature requirements for most asphalt products,” she reported.

As soon as asphalt season starts, U.S. 277 will be tended to, she said.

In the meantime, victims asking TxDOT to pay for the replacement of their windshields are being rebuffed. “Many individuals have filed claims with our Tort Claims Divisions in Austin and they have been denied,” she wrote.

“It is the position of the State of Texas that the state is not liable for damages to the vehicle because of the doctrine of sovereign immunity. The only waiver of such immunity is found in the Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Sec. 101.02,” she concluded.