BY AMANDA CUTSHALL & JOEL VALLEY
TxDOT’s project breakdown for Pope Bend and FM 1209
Pope Bend Road and FM 1209
The road ahead
2017
TxDOT ocials 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 trac ¢ow and reduced bottlenecks, more consistent and predictable travel times, and enhanced reliability for daily Bastrop County commuters traveling to and from Austin.
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 danger- ous 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.”
Phase 1 - Completed
Constraints analysis and development of conceptual roadway design alternatives
2018
2019
Phase 2 - Completed Environmental study and schematic design
2020
2021
2022
2023
Phase 3 - Ongoing
2024
Final design, right-of-way acquisition and utility adjustments
2025
2026
Phase 4 - Upcoming
Construction
2027
SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION COMMUNITY IMPACT
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