Officials in Bastrop County are advancing a range of transportation projects to streamline traffic, safeguard drivers and pedestrians, and meet the demands of a growing population. 

Blakey Lane extension: Blakey Lane will be extended 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.

• Update: The project will include the installation of a 24-inch waterline. 
• Timeline: scheduled to begin construction May 25

• Update: A groundbreaking ceremony was held Oct. 28.
• Timeline: 2025-28

• Update: Eastbound traffic on the Loop 150 bridge is closed to accommodate equipment needed for the rehabilitation.
• Timeline: 2025-26

Bastrop shoppers have more grocery options following the debut of the county's first Sprouts Farmers Market in early March.

What shoppers should know: The specialty grocery store stocks its shelves with a variety of fresh, Texas-grown produce, meat and seafood.

Why it matters: As reported in Community Impact's February print edition, grocery options have been scarce in Bastrop County, creating barriers to healthy food options, particularly for those in rural or lower-income areas.

The addition of Sprouts Farmers Market will help alleviate some of that, said Norma Mercado, Bastrop County Cares executive director.

Did you know? Sprouts is the second business to open in the Burleson Crossing East shopping center, following LongHorn Steakhouse on Feb. 16.

• Opened March 6
• Burleson Crossing East, 651 Hwy. 71 W., Ste. 101, Bastrop

Check out some of the top trending stories in the Austin area from March 9-12. 

1. Pipeline failure hits Pflugerville amid $845M in water projects

2. Dirt moving for 57-acre commercial, residential project near Georgetown-Round Rock border

3. Come on in: Check out the newest spots to open in San Marcos, Buda and Kyle

4. Bee Cave advances shifts to The Village at Spanish Oaks

5. Third Taco Bell location proposed for Leander

6. UT moves to rezone hundreds of acres in Northwest Austin for future medical center

Ring in St. Patrick’s Day with these events.

Jack & Ginger's St. Patrick’s Day celebration
On St. Patrick’s Day, the bar will host a festival with green beer, music, carnival games, face painting and drink and food vendors. 

• March 17, starting at 8 a.m.
• $20 (cover on March 17 starting at 2 p.m.)
• 11500B Rock Rose Ave., Austin

• March 17, 6 p.m.-2 a.m.
• $20.84 (tickets)
• Locations vary

• March 16, starting at noon; March 17, starting at noon
• Free (attendance)
• 1717 Scottsdale Drive, Ste. 160, Leander