A wave of new transportation projects is underway in Bastrop County as officials work to relieve congestion, improve roadway safety and support the area’s rapid growth.

This list is not comprehensive.

Ongoing projects: Blakey Lane extension
Project: extending Blakey Lane, from Edward Burleson Lane to a proposed street called Reed Way, south from Reed Way to an intersection at Old Austin Highway, with roundabout options

• Timeline: scheduled to begin construction March 16
• Cost: $7 million-8 million

• Timeline: March 6, 2025-Dec. 29, 2025
• Cost: $3.5 million

Smithville residents Brittany and Kyle Stinson have created a “come-as-you-are hub for friends, families and neighbors” after opening The Birdsong Bar and Patio—a project the husband and wife have spent the last several months working on.

What they offer: Located in the former home of a longtime local bar known as Charlie’s, The Birdsong Bar and Patio features pool tables, arcade games, a book and game nook, and patio games.

Why they're saying: “We’re so grateful to be starting this journey at the very beginning of a new year, and even more thankful to be doing it here in Smithville and Bastrop County,” the Stinsons said in a statement. “After months of hard work, long days and plenty of problem-solving, opening our doors as the calendar turns feels pretty symbolic—and honestly, really special.”

• 1200 N.E. Loop 230, Smithville

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is moving forward with a $5 billion expansion aimed at easing congestion and improving the passenger experience.

What's happening: The project will add 32 new gates, including 26 tied to a new Concourse B, while Southwest Airlines plans to nearly double its presence at the airport with 18 additional gates and about 200 daily flights.

Zooming in: As part of the expansion, Southwest will relocate its command center and open a pilot and flight attendant base, bringing roughly 2,000 new jobs by 2027.

The airport is also building a six-gate Concourse M to provide flexibility during construction, schedule changes, delays and diverted flights.

Looking ahead: Additional projects include expanded parking, centralized TSA checkpoints and improvements to baggage handling, as well as ongoing efforts to extend Austin’s light rail to the airport.

Officials say these projects will help ABIA handle growth while enhancing convenience for travelers.