The Texas Department of Transportation will divert traffic off the main lanes of Texas 71 at Texas 95 onto newly constructed frontage roads beginning May 3, officials said.

The traffic changes will allow crews to construct the Texas 71 overpass at Texas 95.

In the days leading up to the May 3 traffic switch, nighttime closures will take place at several locations to complete the final work needed for the traffic switch, the Bastrop County Office of Emergency Management said.

On Sunday, southbound Texas 95 will be closed at Texas 71 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. The closure will allow a small portion of Texas 95 to be reconstructed as required to switch traffic.

Southbound Texas 95 to eastbound Texas 71 will be detoured via the new westbound frontage road to Hasler Blvd, the office said. Jackson Street to westbound Texas 71 and northbound Texas 95 will be detoured to the following crossover on eastbound Texas 71.

The emergency management office said it will update its Facebook page with new closures and traffic flow switches.

Bastrop High School to showcase art at Tough Cookie Bakery

Several Bastrop High School students will have their art featured at Tough Cookie Bakery, 601 Chestnut, Suite D, during the Bastrop First Friday Art Walk in May.

The partnership is a collaboration between art teacher Tiffany Jimenez and bakery owners Jennie and Chris McEwan.

"I am so proud of our BHS art students and appreciate this opportunity to celebrate their achievement in the arts," Jimenez said. "Our senior artists will be showcasing their work right after they complete their 24-piece AP portfolio."

The students’ work will include photography and studio art. Depending on the success of the First Friday venture, the partnership may extend to a permanent showcase for student-created art, district officials said.

First Friday in May will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on May 5. The monthly event is a showcase of galleries, artists, restaurants, shops, and small businesses located in historic downtown Bastrop.

"I am always proud when we can take advantage of great opportunities like this that allow our community to see the wonderful work our students and teachers do in the classroom," Bastrop schools fine arts director Chico Portillo said. "Ms. Jimenez is a first-class teacher and her students create high-quality artwork. This partnership will bring awareness to the students in the art department and set a great mood for the event."