Drivers in parts of Brazoria and Fort Bend counties say a heavily traveled road connecting growing communities to Highway 288 is becoming increasingly dangerous, with reports of flat tires, vehicle damage and even cars ending up in ditches.
County Road 57 stretches from Highway 521 in Fort Bend County to Highway 288 in Iowa Colony in Brazoria County. Residents who use the road regularly say its condition has deteriorated as traffic in the area continues to increase.
“It’s ruined,” said David Guajardo, who lives along County Road 57. “Every time it rains, it just makes potholes.”
Drivers point to potholes, loose gravel and uneven pavement as ongoing hazards. Some say the road’s narrow design adds to the danger.
“It becomes a hazard for us,” said Marcela Guajardo.
Marcela Guajardo said she and her husband often help drivers along County Road 57 who end up with flat tires or disabled vehicles.
“There have been accidents because of the narrowness. People have been knocked into the ditches,” she said.
David Guajardo said he has personally helped pull vehicles out after drivers lost control.
“As you can see, this dip here causes people to go into the other lane,” he said.
Residents say they have raised concerns before but were previously told little could be done. However, local officials now say the issue is being addressed.
Iowa Colony City Council member Arnetta Murray visited the road and said work is in progress.
“They’re working on it. It’s on schedule to fix this,” Murray said, adding that infrastructure improvements are needed before repairs can be completed.
Murray said the city is coordinating with developers, and repairs could take six to eight months.
“I’m going to vow to make sure that happens,” she said.
Brazoria County Commissioner David Linder said county officials are also working with the city.
“The county engineer reached out and spoke with the city of Iowa Colony, and I have a plan to speak with the mayor,” Linder said.
On the Fort Bend County side, Commissioner Grady Prestage said the issue is now on his radar. He said mobility bonds approved by voters could help fund improvements to that portion of the road.
Officials encourage residents experiencing similar road issues to report them directly to their city council members and county commissioners and to document any damage with photos and receipts.
For now, drivers along County Road 57 say they are hoping repairs come soon as the area continues to grow.