Bastrop Highway Crash Kills Two Construction Crew Members and One Driver

Three people died after a vehicle struck an active construction zone on State Highway 71 near Tucker Hill Lane in Bastrop early Thursday, Oct. 29. The Bastrop County Sheriff's Office confirmed that two contracted workers and the driver of the car were killed in the crash.

Investigators determined the vehicle was traveling westbound when it crossed into the restricted area. The impact killed both workers on the scene. The Texas Department of Public Safety is currently leading the investigation into the cause of the accident.

Jordan Foster Construction confirmed that the two deceased workers were employees of the company. The Texas Department of Transportation released a statement offering condolences to the families. The agency also asked drivers to pay close attention to road conditions while passing through the project area.

The crash occurred in a corridor that has undergone major construction since October. The project is scheduled to continue through fall 2028. Residents and local workers have expressed ongoing frustration with the shifting traffic patterns and increased emergency activity in the area.

Suzanne Bishop, who operates a business near the corridor, said the changing road layouts make it hard for regulars to anticipate the flow of traffic. "I just feel like the traffic patterns are constantly changing," Bishop said. "Even me working here all the time, I never know really which way we're going to be going." She noted that she hears sirens weekly, either from one side of the county line or the other.

David Williams, a Bastrop resident, said the construction has caused severe congestion and multiple pileups. He urged motorists to stay awake and sober while driving through the zone. "Just be aware, just be safe, and be sober as well," Williams said. Officials have not yet released the names of the victims or further details on the factors leading to the crash.