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Get the latest on three transportation projects impacting drivers throughout Bastrop County.

1. US 290 enhancements: Officials are studying the feasibility of extending tolled main lanes alongside existing non-tolled lanes, adding signalized intersections, and enhancing pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure along a 15-mile stretch of US 290 to ease congestion as the area's population continues to grow.

• Update: An environmental study and schematic design are underway with an anticipated mid-year completion, according to Mobility Authority records.

• Update: Construction began May 25, according to city records.

• Update: Construction began in January, according to a filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

Bastrop will get another new brunch spot this summer when The Toasted Yolk Cafe opens in Sendero with offerings that humans—and their pets—can enjoy.

What they offer: As previously reported, the Texas-based restaurant specializes in a scratch-made menu featuring variations of classic breakfast and brunch dishes like eggs Benedict, chicken and waffles and churro doughnuts, and lunch options such as brisket tacos, sandwiches, salads, burgers and more.

What else? The restaurant’s 1,500-square-foot patio will welcome more than just humans. A pet-specific menu will feature Pawtio Treats such as the Tailwagger Bowl, made with chicken, rice and kale, as well as Dogtails such as the Pawsecco, a bowl of filtered ice water infused with fruit.

One more thing: Another brunch option, First Watch, opened March 16 in Bastrop's Burleson Crossing East, with items like breakfast bowls, specialty pancakes and the Chickichanga—the restaurant’s take on a chimichanga.

• Opens in August
• Sendero, 853 SH 71 W., Ste. 150, Bastrop

Texans are on track to use more electricity this summer than ever before, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas announced during a board meeting this week.

The details: ERCOT, which operates the power grid for the majority of Texas, is forecasting high temperatures and moderate rainfall this summer. Coupled with the proliferation of data centers and other large projects, demand on the grid could surpass 92 gigawatts, officials estimated June 2.

This would break ERCOT’s current demand record of 85.5 gigawatts, which was set during an August 2023 heat wave.

What it means: However, ERCOT officials said a grid emergency or blackout is unlikely this summer. State officials have said this is due to:

• The addition of nearly 11 gigawatts of power capacity to the grid in the last few months
• A state law authorizing ERCOT to require large facilities to reduce their energy use in tight times