Stay in the know with the latest Bastrop government news, including a potential recreation center, e-bike rentals and more.

1. YMCA could bring new recreation center: A large recreation center could be coming to Bastrop through a renewed partnership with the YMCA. Bastrop City Council approved a $30,000 feasibility study July 14, examining whether a YMCA facility could succeed in the community.

2. City backs e-bike pilot program: Bastrop City Council backed Capital Area Rural Transportation System’s pursuit of funding for up to 15 e-bikes at the Bastrop Park & Ride and public library.

3. Old Iron Bridge to get color-changing lights ahead of holidays: Bastrop’s historic Old Iron Bridge will be able to glow in different colors by the holiday season after Bastrop City Council approved a $300,000 lighting addition to the bridge’s rehabilitation project.

Amy Martinez will launch her Cedar Creek nail salon from a bus in August.

The gist: Specializing in manicures and pedicures, Martinez will offer acrylics, gels, dips and more.

The beauty bus will be stationed in the parking lot of Magic Duo’s Mystery Bins—a discount, treasure-hunt-style shop that she and her daughter Savannah Lundy opened in March.

Notable quote: "I went from homeless and hungry to now owning three businesses," Martinez said, who also runs a tax business. "And I want all women to know they can do it too."

• Opening Aug. 1
• 5552 SH 71 E., Cedar Creek

Check out the latest transportation project updates across the Austin metro. 

Upcoming project
1. South Pope Bend repaving
Project: Plans include removing 7 inches of existing asphalt and repaving 1.5 miles on the roadway in Bastrop County.
Update: Bastrop County commissioners will consider a contract with Asphalt Inc. on July 20. Officials hope to have the work finished before Aug. 12, ahead of Cedar Creek students returning to school.

• Timeline: 10 calendar days from start; work must be completed before nearby Cedar Creek students return to school Aug. 12

• Cost: $952,782.50

• Funding source: Bastrop County Precinct 1 budgeted funds

Ongoing projects

2. Burnet Road Mobility Program
Project: The project will feature updated traffic signals, improved crossings, bus stop improvements, trail connections, drainage improvements, shared-use paths and more on Burnet Road from White Horse Trail to US 183 (C2), Bright Verde Way to MoPac (C3) and US 183 to Bright Verde Way (C4).
Update: According to Austin Transportation and Public Works officials, all three segments are officially under construction as of early June. 

• Timeline: 2026-28

• Cost: $64 million

• Funding source: 2016 Mobility Bond

3. I-35 Capex North Expansion
Project: This project will add one tolled lane to I-35 from US 290 East to SH 45, with a diverging diamond intersection at Wells Branch Parkway in Pflugerville.
Update: Work is underway to widen frontage roads from Grand Avenue Parkway to SH 45.

• Timeline: March 2023-early 2029

• Cost: $606 million

• Funding source: funded by Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Texas Department of Transportation

A surgeon at Orthopaedic Specialists of Austin is now performing an ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release procedure, making Dr. Harrison Kay the first physician in the Austin area to offer the technology, according to a July 7 release from the practice.

The details: The procedure uses real-time ultrasound imaging to guide a device through a small incision below the wrist, releasing the ligament compressing the median nerve.

It is performed under local anesthesia in an office setting for eligible patients.

The practice said patients typically return to normal activities within three to five days, compared with two to four weeks after traditional open surgery.

What's next: Individuals experiencing carpal tunnel symptoms, such as numbness, tingling or hand weakness, can schedule a consultation to determine whether the procedure is right for them.