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The Texas Department of Transportation broke ground last week on a $58.5 million project along the Texas 71 corridor near Bastrop.
State and local officials celebrated the start of construction Oct. 28 for a new overpass at the Tucker Hill Lane intersection. The project includes oneway frontage roads and improved bicycle and pedestrian accommodation.
“As population growth and development in Central Texas continues to increase, the project will enhance safety and mobility,” said Tucker Ferguson, TxDOT Austin district engineer.
Once completed, the intersection’s existing traffic signal will be removed, allowing drivers to move freely through the area without stopping, according to officials.
Ferguson said the Tucker Hill Lane overpass is part of a larger TxDOT initiative to ease congestion on the busy route between Bastrop, Houston and the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
“This overpass is a signal of progress for Bastrop County,” State Rep. Stan Gerdes said. “Improving mobility on this major corridor means safer routes for our school traffic, smoother commutes for our families and businesses, and more reliable travel between Bastrop and Austin.”
Officials said the upgrades have become increasingly urgent in the face of Bastrop County’s development boom and spillover growth from the Austin metropolitan area.
“We want to do our best as partners with Bastrop County to help accommodate that growth,” Capital Area Executive Director Ashby Johnson said.
Jordan Foster Construction is handling the build, expected to be completed by fall 2028.
