State Highway (SH) 71 serves as a major corridor for motorists traveling to and from the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, the city of Bastrop, and other central Texas communities. In fact, in 2015, the average daily traffic on SH 71 in Bastrop County exceeded 35,000 vehicles a day. With continued growth in eastern Travis and Bastrop counties, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is planning for improvements on the section of SH 71 from CR 206 to SH 21 to enhance safety and manage congestion.
Project Overview
The proposed project would construct a new overpass bridge on SH 71 over the intersection at FM 1209. This would improve mobility by allowing SH 71 through-traffic to flow through the area without stopping. In addition, new frontage roads would be built within the project limits to allow local travelers access to FM 1209. Bicycle and pedestrian accommodations would also be improved and expanded, as a part of this proposed project.
Proposed Improvements
- Constructing new frontage roads
- Adding a grade-separation over the FM 1209 intersection
- Adding shared-use paths on both sides of SH 71 and FM 1209
- Improvements at FM 1209
- Adding turnarounds to the intersection of SH 71 and FM 1209
Proposed Timeline
- Summer 2019: Anticipated environmental decision
- Fall 2020: Project design completion
- Spring 2024: Project goes out to bid
- Summer 2024: Construction start
- Winter 2025: Construction completion
Texas has been aggressively acquiring private land through condemnation for transportation projects across the state to accommodate the needs of a growing population. If you have been contacted by TxDOT or any of their representatives, please contact us immediately. The important thing to remember is that even if you’ve received a letter in the mail from a condemnation entity informing you of their intentions, this does not mean that it’s a done deal. There are many ways to influence the condemnation process to ensure that your wants and needs are met, but it’s important that you involve knowledgeable professionals that can help guide you through the process.