The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority published a draft version of the MoPac South environmental assessment Feb. 13, a project that could bring express lanes in each direction along a section of MoPac South. 

The gist: The project aims to improve traffic and travel times through the implementation of two new toll lanes between Cesar Chavez and Slaughter Lane. The draft reflects the Recommended Build Alternative 2C plan, or the "express lane alternative," which includes two express lanes with elevated ramps near Barton Skyway.

Get involved: The extended comment period for the assessment will begin March 9 and remain open through May 3.

Project officials will hold a virtual public hearing during this period. An in-person public hearing will take place March 24 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Bowie High School, where participants will also be able to watch a prerecorded video, view exhibits, speak to the project team and submit comments.

Rollingwood and West Lake Hills city officials held a meeting with Mobility Authority officials in December to address concerns about the proposed plan.

City voters won't consider a measure aimed at stopping the Austin Convention Center redevelopment and reallocating associated tourism tax revenue this spring, although the group behind the proposal is now working to call an election on the issue this fall.

The details: The $1.6 billion project has received pushback from a group seeking to halt construction. The Austin United PAC's effort to have voters weigh in on the project stalled out in court this year.

A PAC petition campaign last year sought to halt the old convention center's demolition through an election. After the city rejected the PAC's petition in the fall, the group sued in an attempt to overturn that decision and force a May vote on the convention center project.

After a two-day trial in January, a district court judge sided with the city, and the PAC's proposed ordinance was left off the ballot as of the Feb. 13 filing deadline. The group now says it'll restart its efforts in an attempt to land a similar measure on the November ballot.

Check out six upcoming, ongoing or completed transportation projects across the Austin metro.

Ongoing projects
Bell District to 183A Toll shared-use path
Project: Construction is underway on a shared-use path that will connect 183A Toll to Bell Park in Cedar Park. It will be a 10-foot-wide concrete path following along Brushy Creek Road.
Update: According to city officials, crews have begun building the path itself, as well as working on utility relocations and drainage infrastructure.

• Timeline: expected completion fall 2026
• Cost: $3.3 million
• Funding source: 2022 transportation bond

• Timeline: 2026-27
• Cost: $23 million
• Funding source: Type B sales tax revenue

Community members can plan to attend a variety of events including fundraisers, family swimming experiences and more.

Wedding Capital of Texas 2026 Winter Showcase
Dripping Springs and Driftwood wedding vendors will gather to showcase their offerings including photography, honeymoons, bartending services, flowers, bakers, venues and additional wedding needs.

• March 8, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Free (RSVP required)
• Patriot’s Hall, 231 Patriots Hall Blvd., Dripping Springs

• April 1, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
• Free
• Austin Public Library, ​​Menchaca Road Branch, 5500 Menchaca Road, Austin

• March 14, 6-11 p.m.
• Free
• Fast Friends Beer Co., 7313 S. I-35 Frontage Road NB, Austin

Early in-person voting in Texas’ primary elections begins Feb. 17 and lasts until Feb. 27.

How it works: Texas has an open primary system, where voters decide at the polling place whether to cast ballots in the Democratic or Republican primary. Voters may not participate in both primaries.

What to expect: Voters will be given a ballot with a slate of statewide seats and other races determined by the voting precinct they live in. During early voting, registered voters can visit any polling location in their county.

Candidates who win their primaries will advance to the Nov. 3 midterm election.

Why it matters: Early voting gives registered voters the opportunity to cast their ballots before primary election day March 3.

Voter advocacy groups and experts told Community Impact that a vote in the March primaries is “the most impactful vote” Texans can cast, due to consistently low voter turnout and competition in certain races. Over 18 million Texans are registered to vote, although about one-fifth of registered voters participated in recent primary elections.