ATX-LTW: Impact 10/7/2025

Across the Lake Travis region, several projects have been undertaken by city and state authorities in order to improve roads and intersections. Here are a few recent transportation updates shared by those authorities.

SH 71 safety improvement project
Project: The project is designed to improve safety and mobility by implementing raised medians on Hwy. 71 between Bee Creek Road and Hamilton Pool Road.
Update: Crews are pouring concrete medians in small segments from Hamilton Pool Road/Bee Cave Parkway to Bee Cave Road, a TxDOT representative said Sept. 23.

Loop 360 program
Project: The Loop 360 program, led by TxDOT, includes four separate road improvement projects between US 183 and US 290.
Update: A new Westlake Drive bridge opened Aug. 1, and construction on a Cedar Street bridge began early in September, a TxDOT representative said.

The Spicewood Community Library will now be open eight hours a day five days a week, according to a news release from The Friends of the Spicewood Community Library.

The overview: The library will now be open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m-6 p.m on Tuesdays and Thursdays and from 10 a.m-3 p.m on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

Previously, the library was only open from 2-6 p.m on Thursdays.

The details: “Our goal has always been to keep the library open five days a week,” said Beth Cottingham, president of the Friends of the Spicewood Community Library, in the news release. “While we’re not yet open as many hours as other Burnet County branches, we are deeply grateful for the County’s commitment to Spicewood.”

Austin and neighboring cities are hosting various fall events featuring pumpkins, mazes, bounce houses and haunted houses. 

Round Rock Pumpkin Festival
The fourth annual pumpkin festival will bring all things fall to Round Rock including farm animals and feeding, a barrel train, pumpkin painting, a bouncy house and funnel cake. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Austin Pets Alive and the Old Settlers Association.

• Oct. 3-Nov. 1
• Free (admission for teachers, military and first responders), $10 (ages 3 and up)
• Old Settlers Park, 3300 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock

• Sept. 27-Oct. 25
• $40-$50
• Old West Market, 14219 Littig Road, Manor

All Texas retailers are barred from selling consumable THC products to customers under 21 years old after the Texas Department of State Health Services adopted two emergency rules Oct. 3.

The details: The new rules, which took effect immediately, state that businesses may lose their hemp licenses for selling THC products to minors.

Ten days earlier, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission approved emergency rules prohibiting bars, liquor stores and other alcohol retailers from selling THC products to anyone under 21. A TABC spokesperson told Community Impact the two state agencies are working together to enforce a Sept. 10 executive order by Gov. Greg Abbott, who called for age restrictions on THC sales and tighter guardrails on the multibillion-dollar industry.

More context: Approximately 8,000 businesses are licensed by the DSHS to sell consumable hemp products in Texas, including some retailers that also sell alcohol.

The emergency rules from both agencies will be in effect for 120 days and could be extended for an additional 60 days while permanent regulations are drafted.