AUSTIN (July 16, 2012)--Experts are blaming the Texas drought for as much as $30 million in damage to an unopened stretch of tollway in the Austin area.

The Austin American-Statesman reported Monday that the 2011 drought caused asphalt cracks in some parts of unfinished Texas 130 along about 41 miles between Mustang Ridge and Seguin.

The private consortium building the road, in association with the Texas Department of Transportation, has been repaving since spring.

Chris Lippincott with the State Highway 130 Concession Co. says the repaired tollway should open before the November lease contract deadline.

The consortium is led by Spanish toll road company Cintra and a subsidiary of San Antonio-based Zachry Construction Corp.