Loop 150 bridge in Bastrop to close one lane for nearby project
Motorists traveling through Bastrop can expect a new traffic pattern Sept. 3 when crossing the Colorado River via the Loop 150 bridge.
What we know: The move is necessary to accommodate the construction for the rehabilitation of the adjacent Old Iron Bridge, according to officials.
“The Loop 150 Bridge will shift eastbound traffic into the center lane and close the lane closest to the Old Iron Bridge,” the city of Bastrop said in an announcement posted to social media. “The pedestrian walk will remain open.”
Zooming in: The adjustment, which does not include any changes to westbound traffic, is expected to last approximately six months, according to officials.
Residents can email the city at [email protected] with any questions or concerns.
Events ranging from galas to guided camping and much more will be offered throughout the area in September.
Bastrop Live! The month-long celebration of free live music will be available at venues throughout the city.
Sept. 1-30, times vary
Free (admission)
Bird Junction sculpture unveiling The Bastrop Cultural Arts Commission will unveil its newest bird sculpture by artist Robin Luck.
Sept. 5, 4 p.m.
Free (admission)
Down Home Ranch Red Carpet Affair The nonprofit, which aims to empower the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, will offer a red carpet-themed gala with dinner, live music, an auction and more.
Sept. 6, 5-10 p.m.
$150 (admission), $300 (VIP)
Texas Outdoor Family Night The workshop will explain how to camp and provide provisions such as tents, cots, lanterns and more. Guests should bring blankets, food and personal hygiene items. Pets are not permitted.
Higher education costs, a booming population and an aging workforce are all challenges identified by health care executives at the state and local level in a first-time health care forum held at Austin PBS in August.
The setup: Hosted by Workforce Solutions Capital Area, Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area and the Central Texas Healthcare Partnership, with support from the St. David's Foundation, the State of Healthcare Workforce Forum brought experts from the state and regional level to discuss challenges impacting the health care industry and its workforce Aug. 26.
Austin-area roads set for nearly $4B in state investment
Gov. Greg Abbott announced a new 10-year state transportation plan in August that includes nearly $4 billion in funding for Austin-area roads.
The details: The plan, known as the 2026 Unified Transportation Program, was approved Aug. 21 by the Texas Transportation Commission. Statewide, it outlines $101.6 billion in projects focused on safety, congestion relief and keeping pace with Texas’ fast-growing population and economy. This marks the third consecutive year the program has topped $100 billion.
In the Austin region, funding is slated for major corridors on the Texas 100 Most Congested Roadways list, including I-35, SH 130, SH 71 near the airport, Loop 360, RM 620 and RM 1826. The plan also dedicates millions toward traffic-management technology along I-35 and SH 71.
Abbott said the investments are designed to “build the future of Texas for generations to come.”
