Asphalt Paving in Sabine Pass, TX

Asphalt paving in Sabine Pass is storm-country work. When Hurricane Rita came ashore over Sabine Lake on September 24, 2005, its surge destroyed more than 90 percent of the structures in Sabine Pass. Three years later, Hurricane Ike produced the highest surge ever recorded there. Hurricane Audrey in 1957 had already been devastating enough to push development north toward Beaumont, Port Arthur and Orange.

History

The area was settled in 1832 and incorporated in 1861. Two naval battles of Sabine Pass were fought nearby during the Civil War, and the Confederacy built Fort Manhassett in 1863. Port Arthur annexed Sabine Pass on April 2, 1978.

What surge does to pavement

Surge and floodwater wash fine material out of the base and undercut edges. Pavement can look intact and then sink weeks later. For driveways and lots here, a thick compacted base, supported edges and grades that drain quickly are essential.

Access

State Highway 87 runs through the community about 30 miles southeast of Beaumont. Driveway connections to SH 87 go through TxDOT; city streets follow Port Arthur's rules.

Typical work

• Rebuilding storm-damaged driveways
• Pads for boats and trailers
• Lots for marine and fishing businesses

History on the ground

Sabine Pass was a busy port town long before Port Arthur existed, and the Civil War battles and Fort Manhassett are part of its story. Today it is a small, storm-tested community where homes are often raised and driveways are rebuilt after major storms.

Raised homes

Many homes in surge areas are raised on piers. Driveways and parking pads under or beside them need a firm base and careful drainage so water does not pool around foundations.

Shell and gravel drives

Some properties use shell or gravel. Converting to asphalt gives a cleaner, firmer surface; a thick base helps it recover after floods.

Working with Port Arthur rules

As part of Port Arthur since 1978, Sabine Pass follows Port Arthur's city requirements for work at the street. We check them before scheduling.

Common projects

• Rebuilding storm-damaged driveways
• Boat and trailer pads
• Lots for marine and fishing businesses
• Seal coating and crack sealing

Timing

We avoid paving right before a forecast storm and schedule after the ground has dried.

Costs

National guides list new asphalt driveways at about $5 to $12 or more per square foot. Storm-damaged base and drainage work add to that. Pads for boats and trailers need a heavier section.

Planning

We check heights, look at how water and surge have moved across the property, and build a base and edges that recover well after storms.

Maintenance

Seal every few years, fill cracks promptly and check edges after storms.

Scheduling

Sabine Pass is about 30 miles from Beaumont. We schedule work here in groups. Most driveways take two to four days.

Marine businesses

Fishing, marine and service businesses need lots that hold up to trailers and trucks. We pave, patch and stripe.

After a storm

Keep heavy vehicles off damaged areas until repairs are made, and call early.