Road to relief: Drivers navigate construction along SH 71 as TxDOT continues $293M updates

Texas-based Jordan Foster Construction is completing the project, which is scheduled to wrap up construction in fall 2028, according to TxDOT officials.

“What makes projects like these especially meaningful for our team is that they’re personal,” John Goodrich, president of Infrastructure Group at Jordan Foster Construction, said in a statement. “Many of our employees live in these neighborhoods or commute on these roads.”

He stressed that building something new that didn’t exist before isn’t just about infrastructure, but also about improving people’s lives.

“We prioritize being a good neighbor throughout construction by minimizing disruptions, communicating openly, and delivering a project that reflects the pride and care we bring to every job,” Goodrich said.

The project—near Circle K and McDonald’s along the westbound lanes of SH 71—will feature expanded accommodations for bicycles and pedestrians.“Based on recent coordination with TxDOT, the current phase of construction in this area includes ongoing bridge and overpass work, shifting traffic patterns, and intermittent lane closures that are expected to continue through upcoming project phases,” said Dana Platt, community engagement coordinator of the Capital Area Rural Transportation System.

Pope Bend and FM 1209

The last two TxDOT projects to be completed include Pope Bend Road and FM 1209.

The scope of both projects includes:

• Overpass at the Pope Bend intersection
• One-way frontage roads within the project limits
• Bicycle and pedestrian accommodations

The project requires 9.49 acres of right of way, including 2.1 acres in McKinney Roughs Nature Park—a property subject to Chapter 26 of the Parks and Wildlife Code, which requires TxDOT to show there is no feasible alternative and to minimize harm before the project can move forward.

The anticipated bid opening date is in October for the Pope Bend Road project and 2030 for FM 1209, and several area residents are eager to see the SH 71 East Corridor projects near completion.

“The construction on 71 is atrocious and dangerous for anyone moving,” said Eva Bea, who lives on Wolf Lane near the construction. “Being on SH 71 is the scariest part of my day.”

The road ahead

TxDOT officials said timing adjustments are being made at signalized intersections, but short-term disruptions are ongoing.

Allen Johnson, executive director of Bastrop County Emergency Services District No. 3, said he believes construction could have a negative impact on his team’s response capabilities—especially in the western portions of Bastrop County.

“Long term, the construction improvements will have a positive impact,” he said. “Everyone understands the necessity for it to be improved to keep up with the ongoing growth. ”Once completed, Platt said the team anticipates improved traffic flow and reduced bottlenecks, more consistent and predictable travel times, and enhanced reliability for daily Bastrop County commuters traveling to and from Austin.