A new, faster commute option is now available for drivers traveling between Austin, Cedar Park and beyond. The northbound 183 Express Lanes, part of Phase 1 of the 183 North Mobility Project, opened Jan. 2, extending the region’s express lane network and creating a direct connection to the 183A Toll Road.

In a nutshell: The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority announced the opening as part of a phased rollout of the long-running project. A northbound direct connector from the MoPac Express Lane to the 183 Express Lanes is expected to open soon, followed by southbound express lanes and connectors within the next few months. 
Non-tolled lanes and access points remain unchanged, and a fourth general-purpose lane between MoPac and SH 45 was previously completed in 2024.

The outlook: The $612 million project is expected to be fully completed in 2026 and aims to significantly reduce travel times while improving bike and pedestrian infrastructure along the corridor.

Many major corridor projects funded through the city of Austin's 2016 mobility bond are completed or moving toward construction, with tens of millions of dollars from the voter-approved transportation package still remaining as of early 2026.

The details: City voters approved the $720 million bond for roadway, sidewalk and trail upgrades, as well as safety improvements under the Vision Zero program, in November 2016. The majority of the package, $482 million, was dedicated to stretches of Austin's busiest roadways under the corridor program.

Corridor projects worth roughly $360 million have now been completed or approved for development as of this winter, and more than $40 million in construction work is anticipated this year, headlined by intensive work along South Lamar Boulevard.

Coca-Cola’s Sips & Sounds Music Festival is returning to Austin on March 13-14 with a range of featured artists including Christina Aguilera and Calvin Harris. The two-day event will showcase performances from 16 different artists, as stated in a news release.

The details: Community members can find two-day and one-day general admission tickets in addition to two-day and one-day general admission plus tickets. Event-goers can look forward to immersive activations throughout the festival and local food vendors.

Performing artists include Flipturn, GROUPLOVE, The Two Lips, Foster The People, Jade LeMac, Aidan Bissett, Mallrat, Skateland, Caroline Hale, The Runarounds, Between Friends, Stephen Sanchez, Ravyn Lenae and Major Lazer Soundsystem. 

Auditorium Shores, 900 W. Riverside Drive, Austin