Bastrop County to benefit from $148B transportation investment

Bastrop County is set to see major improvements in its transportation infrastructure as part of a record $148 billion investment recently announced by Gov. Greg Abbott.

The unprecedented funding includes key projects aimed at reduc i ng conges t ion and enhancing safety throughout the county, according to a prepared Texas Department of Transportation release. The investment, a $5.6 billion increase from the previous year, supports a comprehensive 10-year plan designed to address critical needs across the state.

Gov. Abbott underscored the significance of this funding for Bastrop County and beyond.

“Strengthening our roadways and transportat ion infrastructure is critical for Texas to remain the best state for business in the nation,” he said. “With this record-breaking investment, Texas will continue to meet the needs of Texans in all communities while improving roadway congestion and safety.”

Among the key projects are significant upgrades for Bastrop County’s sections of Texas 71 and Farm to Market 973.

The state highway project will involve constructing overpasses at Tucker Hill Lane, Pope Bend Road and Farm to Market 1209, which will improve traffic f low by eliminating stoplights along the corridor, according to reports. This $232 million investment aims to enhance connectivity and reduce travel times.

Additionally, FM 973 will see substantial improvements with a planned widening to a six-lane divided highway from U.S. 290 to Farm to Market 1660, at an estimated cost of $395.3 million. The project will also extend from FM 1660 to Texas 79 in Taylor, costing around $170.2 million, Abbott said.

The 2025 Unif ied Transportation Program focuses on rel iev i ng congest ion, improving safety and boosting rural connectivity.

“This investment impac ts communit ies across the state, with projects that can help save lives and improve connectivity,” TxDOT Execut ive Di rec tor Marc Williams said.

The UTP was developed through extensive public feedback, ensuring that the needs of Texans were reflected in the planning process, according to reports.

For more information on the UTP projects and their benefits to Bastrop County, visit https://www.txdot.gov.