Highway 71 project holds up drivers

TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) - The starting point of the construction on Highway 71 at the edge of Travis County is right where R.O.'s Outpost set up shop 14 years ago. Owner Randy Osban said, since crews began last January, the customers at his BBQ joint dropped by half.

"That's a long time to be invisible basically,” Osban said.

No one wants to wait to get back in line along 2.5-mile stretch. It's often reduced to one lane with TxDOT shuttling lines of traffic back and forth. When traffic is moving, drivers said the road work is distracting, and many people don't pay attention to what's entering and exiting Highway 71.  

"It will be wonderful when the construction on 71 is finished,” said driver Shirley Jones. “It's very dangerous, and we worry about our grandchildren."

TxDOT said it could still be spring or even summer before it's done. The special kind of asphalt crews want to use will only pour right if it's warm outside. With this unusually cold weather, that isn't happening. Still, they said it's worth the wait, because it has a unique quality to drain water faster and create better tire traction.

"I'm all for it,” said driver Charlie Crenshaw, “because I know all the accidents they've had out here, so I know it will be lots better when they finish it."

The near $5 million project will also widen the stretch to five lanes. One of those is a center turning lane.

"We're anxious for it to be complete,” said Linda Acuna. “Yeah, it's taken a long time, but it's worth it. Our two kids... we need to it be safe for them on this road."

"Yes, (it’s) treacherous,” said Osban. “Anytime you try to turn into any of these restaurants around here, you're taking your own life into your hands."

Though he misses the money he's used to making, Osban said he's happier with a finished product that protects his customers.