The city of Leander plans to build a railroad bridge over Crystal Falls Parkway at the intersection with US 183.

The project would eliminate the railroad crossing on Crystal Falls Parkway and improve traffic flow by eliminating the need for vehicles to stop when trains pass.

Assistant to the City Manager Kent Souriyasak and Lance Ballard of engineering firm Kimley-Horn spoke to the city council about the project at its Jan. 6 meeting.

The project: Souriyasak said the city’s US 183 Corridor Study identified three places where grade separations–changing the elevation of either the road or the rails to eliminate the railroad crossing–were needed. Of those three places, Crystal Falls Parkway at US 183 was identified as the highest priority.

The proposed project would elevate a portion of the railroad tracks by constructing a bridge supported by pillars over Crystal Falls Parkway.
The city is eyeing a potential opening of the elevated portion of the railroad in 2032.

Phat Tracks Books & Records is now open in Cedar Park, offering a selection of books, vinyls, CDs, and cassettes. The store opened its doors to customers on Dec. 6 said owner Thomas West. 

The context: West previously told Community Impact he wanted to curate an inventory of media that other retailers overlooked. He was inspired to open the business after he and his wife had difficulty finding books that fit their respective interests. 

The details: The store sells a range of banned books, underground music and events, according to its website, and will soon host local bands for live performances, West said. 

Some of the bestselling items at the new book and music store include horror books and cassette tapes. 
Opened Dec. 6
401 E. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. C-104, Cedar Park

Williamson County renewed its annual partnership with Bluebonnet Trails Community Services for three behavioral health resources totaling almost $500,000 during a Dec. 30 commissioners court meeting.

The overview: The three initiatives made possible by the BTCS partnership are:

• Providing child welfare court case coordinators to help with court-ordered treatment
• Offering services to reduce homelessness and increase housing sustainability in the county
• Providing dedicated, qualified mental health professionals in 911 dispatch