Highway 71 crash kills two workers and driver in early morning collision
A westbound vehicle crossed into an active construction zone in Bastrop on Thursday, striking two employees of Jordan Foster Construction.
By Robert Ward ·
Drivers on State Highway 71 in Bastrop faced a familiar stretch of construction, but early Thursday morning brought a violent end to the routine for three people. A vehicle entered an active work zone, killing the driver and two construction workers.
According to the Bastrop County Sheriff's Office, the crash occurred in the early hours of October 29. Investigators determined that the vehicle was traveling westbound when it crossed into the restricted area near Tucker Hill Lane. The impact struck two contracted workers who were on site.
Jordan Foster Construction confirmed that both deceased workers were employees of the company. The Texas Department of Public Safety is leading the investigation into the crash. Officials have not yet released the names of the victims or the specific factors that caused the vehicle to enter the work zone.
The collision occurred on a corridor that has undergone construction since October. The larger project is scheduled to continue through the fall of 2028. For local residents, the accident added to a pattern of disruptions in the area. Suzanne Bishop, who works at a business near the highway, said the changing traffic patterns make the area difficult to predict. "I just feel like the traffic patterns are constantly changing," she said. "Even me working here all the time, I never know really which way we're going to be going."
Bishop noted that emergency vehicles are a frequent sight near her store. She described hearing ambulances and EMS crews at least once a week. "I really wish everyone would just take into consideration our workers," she said. "They come into the store all the time, so, you know, my heart goes out to the families who lost somebody."
David Williams, a resident of Bastrop, said the construction creates major traffic jams and has led to previous pileups. He urged drivers to remain aware and sober. The Texas Department of Transportation issued a statement expressing condolences to the families. The agency also asked motorists to exercise vigilance while driving through the active work zone.
