Work is proceeding on SH 45 SW, a $109 million, 3.6-mile toll road project that started Nov. 8 to connect Loop 1 with FM 1626 in Hays County. Recent progress includes clearing the site, bringing in dirt for the roadway to sit on and building several water quality ponds to collect water from the roadway. Crews also began construction of concrete retaining walls at the north end of the future Bear Creek bridge. Drilling for the foundation of the northbound side of Danz Creek bridge is finished, and work to widen the bridge has begun on the southbound end. Work on the bridge columns and roadway for the highway over Bear Creek is progressing, and there is ongoing work on main traffic lanes and utility relocation near FM 1626 and Old Bliss Spillar Road. Work has also begun on a duct bank for utilities near Old Bliss Spillar. The highway is projected to be complete in three years, according to the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority. Editor's note: This post has been updated to include additional information from the Mobility Authority.