Drivers face 8-week closure of US 183 ramp near Loop 360 in North Austin
The southbound US 183 entrance ramp north of Loop 360 closed Sept. 2 as the result of ongoing road construction related to the ongoing mobility improvements in the area.
What you need to know: This work is part of the last phase of construction closures in this area as the 183 North Mobility Project nears completion, according to an update from the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority.
The closure is expected to last eight weeks.
About the project: The $612 million project aims to relieve congestion along 183 North—the 9-mile section of road between MoPac and SH 45—by adding two toll lanes in each direction that will connect to the existing tolls on MoPac and 183A in Cedar Park.
The project also added a fourth nontolled northbound and southbound lane, which opened last year, and is working to improve shared-use paths along the corridor for bikes and pedestrians.
LCRA to lower Inks Lake starting Oct. 1; Lake Travis to rise by 3 inches
The Lower Colorado River Authority, which manages the Highland Lakes system in Central Texas, announced it would begin lowering Inks Lake for a period of eight weeks starting Oct. 1.
In a nutshell: The LCRA announced Sept. 9 that the lake would be lowered to provide property owners an opportunity to work on docks and boat slips, as well as to remove debris from the lake and shoreline.
What residents should know: The lowering will cause Lake Travis, located downstream from Inks Lake, to rise by about 3.5 inches, according to a news release from the authority.
WilCo furthers mental health resources amid suicide prevention month
Williamson County commissioners named September suicide prevention month at a Sept. 9 meeting, highlighting the various county mental health resources available to residents.
The impact: Suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in the U.S. and the second leading cause of death for children ages 10-14, according to the county. For those ages 15-24, it is the third leading cause of death.
Williamson County's behavioral health task force has a goal of working with mental health providers, nonprofits, first responders and the justice system to increase suicide awareness and lifesaving resources.
The county partners with Bluebonnet Trails Community Services, which offers a 24/7 crisis hotline at 1-800-841-1255 to connect residents with care and counseling options. Individuals who call 911 in Williamson County and ask for mental health resources can also be directly connected with Bluebonnet Trails.
Going forward: The county is working on additional mental health projects, including starting a loss team that will help those impacted by suicide.
