In mid-August, TxDOT placed orange barricades along Hwy. 71 to mark locations for permanent raised medians that will be constructed as part of its Hwy. 71 Safety Improvement Project.

The overview

The orange barricades close the center lane along Hwy. 71 in Bee Cave, between Bee Creek Road and Hamilton Pool Road, and will later be replaced by permanent raised medians that restrict left turns along Hwy. 71.

The temporary barricades may shift location as work progresses, according to a city announcement shared by the city of Bee Cave on Facebook on Aug. 28.

The context

Planned medians are part of TxDOT’s Hwy. 71 Safety Improvement Project.

The project, designed to improve road safety and reduce crashes, is expected to wrap up before summer 2026, according to the city’s announcement.

Ten median breaks will be maintained along the stretch of highway, and an additional median break will be added at Caprock Summit Drive, according to plans shared by TxDOT.

What else?

While the project’s scope initially implemented raised medians between Bee Creek Road and Uplands Ridge Drive, it was narrowed to only the area between Bee Creek Road and Hamilton Pool Road in May.

The decision was made by TxDOT, at the request of Bee Cave City Council, in consideration of potential traffic disruptions near the Hill Country Galleria.