Historic ‘Bonnie and Clyde’ bridge collapses amid flood in Conroe

Houston Public Media
Sarah Grunau
Posted On January 29, 2024, 2:19 PM

After riding out more than a century of natural disasters, a dilapidated bridge once hailed as a hangout spot for famed Texas criminals Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow collapsed after nearly 11 inches of rain gushed over Montgomery County streets last week.

The flood prompted some home rescues and a county-wide disaster declaration last week, and the bridge now lays partially in the San Jacinto River next to FM 2854 in Conroe.

It was constructed in 1910 and served as the old Highway 105 bridge running from Conroe to Montgomery, Larry Foerster, chair of the Montgomery County Historical Commission said in a statement.

“Locally called the ‘Bonnie and Clyde’ bridge, the gang had family reunions in the 1930s with Clyde’s Conroe cousin Dude Barrow,” Foerster said.

Attempts to preserve the historical monument were discussed in the past, but financial barriers stalled conservation plans, leaving the unprotected bridge dangling feet above the river.

“In spite of good faith efforts to save the old frail bridge, sadly the cost of restoration was prohibitive,” Larry Foerster, Montgomery County Historical Commission chair said in a statement. “So the memory of the old bridge is figuratively, and literally, being washed away.”

Parts of Montgomery County saw up to 11 inches of rain last week, leaving several streets flooded. Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough signed a disaster declaration on Jan. 24 urging residents to stay off roads with high water.

The heavy rainfall left Lake Conroe sitting about four feet over its standard level, prompting the San Jacinto River Authority to open Lake Conroe flood gates which released storm water at 19,500 cubic feet per second at its peak last week. The lake Monday had a water level about half a foot over the average, according to Water Data for Texas.

Water in Lake Conroe was still being released at more than 8,000 cubic feet per second Saturday, according to the Montgomery County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

The American Red Cross and Salvation Army Monday morning began handing out food, water and cleanup supplies to Montgomery County residents affected by last week’s flood. A distribution site at 451 River Plantation Dr. in Conroe will operate over the next several days to bring supplies to people in need of them.