Quicksand Creek & Sabine Creek Emergency Geotechnical Response (2016)
Newton County, Texas – SH 63 & FM 2626 (TxDOT Bridge Division Contract 88-4IDP5070, WA#25)

In 2016, Geotex Engineering was called into action under our first TxDOT Geotechnical Prime Contract to address a crisis in Newton County. Heavy spring rains had caused severe flooding across East Texas, leading to the closure of two major bridges over Quicksand Creek and Sabine Creek. The closures resulted in detours of more than 50 miles for local residents—a major disruption for the region.

TxDOT required urgent geotechnical data to design remedial measures and safely reopen the bridges. Geotex mobilized within 6 days, deploying drill crews and equipment to both sites under challenging field conditions.

Challenges in the Field

Upon arrival, the sites were blanketed in flood debris and saturated soils. Coordination with the TxDOT Beaumont District Area Office ensured safe access for our drill rigs. Crews began subsurface exploration using hollow-stem augers and Texas Cone Penetration tests at five-foot intervals (TEX-132-E).

However, the team quickly encountered flowing sand conditions. Project Manager Mark Thomas responded rapidly, implementing a series of adjustments:

• Maintaining water-filled augers to manage borehole stability.
• Carefully controlling tool insertion and removal during sampling.
• Switching to wash rotary drilling with bentonite-enhanced circulation fluid.

Even with increased bentonite dosages, the coarse sands and fine gravel at deeper depths presented ongoing challenges. Geotex consulted with Baroid Industrial Drilling Products and adopted a new drilling mud “recipe” including borehole stabilizer and pH balancer additives.

Mark Thomas personally delivered 4 large mixing troughs to the site, enabling on-site preparation of nearly 600 gallons of custom drilling mud. With refined techniques and real-time adjustments, the team achieved stable boreholes and successfully collected the geotechnical data required for design.

Results That Mattered

Thanks to swift mobilization, ingenuity, and relentless field problem-solving, Geotex delivered timely and accurate data for TxDOT’s remedial bridge design. The bridges were ultimately restored, reconnecting vital routes for Newton County.

This project remains one of Geotex’s most technically demanding and proudest moments—an enduring example of how teamwork, innovation, and grit can overcome even the toughest geotechnical conditions.

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