Georgetown is working on two projects to upgrade Austin Avenue: the rehabilitation of the historic vehicular bridges and the construction of separate pedestrian and bicycle crossings.

What's happening: The vehicular bridges are currently under construction, while the city continues to work on the design of the new pedestrian bridges after hitting a setback in December.

The why: These two projects will improve safety and accessibility in this high-traffic area, as well as accommodate the growing Georgetown population, according to city documents.

Diving in deeper: Construction began on the Austin Avenue Bridge Rehabilitation project in October 2024, almost a decade after the city first identified structural issues resulting from deterioration and increased traffic in the area. 

The $12.7 million project, funded by the 2021 voter-approved mobility bond, will address the structural repairs, as well as safety upgrades and drainage improvements.

What else: Plans for the pedestrian and bicycle bridges happened concurrently with the rehabilitation plans, as the city recognized the “very narrow sidewalks on the bridges,” Systems Engineering Director Wesley Wright said.

Check out the following updates from Georgetown-area businesses located east of I-35, including several new and coming soon spots at the Round Rock Premium Outlets.

Sephora
The beauty store is set to bring hair, skin and makeup products to the Round Rock Premium Outlets.

• Opening this summer
• 4401 N. I-35, Round Rock

• Relocating this spring
• 950 W. University Ave., Ste. 203, Georgetown

• 810 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown

A new Petbar location is headed to the Leander-Georgetown border, projected to open in the summer, franchisees Luisa and Orlando Solis said.

What they offer: Petbar offers a range of grooming services, including self-service wash, professional dog grooming, and dog bath and brush service. Specialty services include flea treatment, specialty shampoos, spa facials, nail buffs and sanitary trims.

The Austin-area locals set their sights on Leander because they noticed a lack of nearby pet grooming options.

“We want to welcome everyone and bring a safe and secure environment for their pets, and make a community here in Leander,” Luisa Solis said.

Looking ahead: In addition to the Leander location, the couple hopes to open another Petbar location in the Austin area, with the possibility of expanding to additional storefronts in the future.

• Hwy. 29 and Ronald Reagan Boulevard

From a commercial retail center to a gas station and more, here are five of the most expensive projects filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation in the Austin metro this week.

1. Courtside in Austin: Quantum 71 will build a 26,331-square-foot restaurant and a 4,128-square-foot pickleball building.

2. Base Power in Austin: The Austin-based energy supplier will finish out a shell building for manufacturing and warehouse uses.

3. Winding Oak Commercial Development in Leander: Zoomers Investment Group will construct a commercial retail center, which will feature a 4,000-square-foot quick-serve restaurant, 19,543 square feet of retail space and a two-story 16,400-square-foot office and retail building.

4. AAA Storage and Business Park in Austin: The self-storage business will construct an 85,000-square-foot facility and business park.

5. Smart Stop in Georgetown: Central Texas-based Smart Stop will open a convenience store and fuel station that spans 6,000 square feet.