Check out five ongoing or completed transportation projects in the Northwest Austin area, including the new US 183 North northbound express lanes and flood risk reduction projects nearing completion. 

Ongoing projects
Little Walnut Creek Flood Risk Reduction (Phase 4)
Update: phase 4 completed in December, including completion of stormwater and wastewater infrastructure in the road and paving the project; contractor is working on clean up and restoration of the park staging area and detention pond at Quail Creek Neighborhood Park

• Timeline: completion expected in spring
• Cost: $28.8 million
• Funding source: Drainage charge, 2018 drainage bonds and Austin Water

• Timeline: total project completion expected in 2026
• Cost: $612 million
• Funding source: Federal funding, sale of roll revenue bonds, Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act funds

Café Java opened its third Austin-area location Jan. 12 near the Austin-Cedar Park border, according to a representative from the location. This is the first new Café Java location in 20 years, according to previous Community Impact reporting. 

What they offer: Café Java has a selection of coffees, teas and juices and a range of breakfast and lunch offerings including pancakes, breakfast tacos, soup and salads. Specialty coffees include the “Butter Beer,” which features espresso, caramel and English toffee syrup, half and half, whipped cream, a caramel drizzle and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. 

The “Big Java” breakfast includes two eggs, two strips of bacon, hash browns, two pancakes and coffee or tea. 

One more thing: The new location announced on Facebook that the restaurant is now offering dine in and take out orders and will be open 7 a.m.-2:30p.m. daily. 

• 12129 RM 620, Ste. 120, Austin

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

Upcoming projects
Hwy. 290 extension project
Project: project seeks to reduce congestion along 15 miles of Hwy. 290 between Hwy. 130 and Hwy. 95 South in Bastrop County
Update: public survey concluded Oct. 10

• Timeline: expected to complete first draft of schematic design mid-2026
• Cost: TBD
• Funding source: TBD

• Timeline: total project completion expected in 2026
• Cost: $612 million
• Funding source: federal funding, sale of roll revenue bonds, Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act funds

Meet Claire Reynolds and Pedro "Pete" Ruiz, the Democratic candidates who will be on the ballot for U.S. House District 11 during the upcoming primary election. 

Candidates were asked to answer the questions provided, limit their answers to 50 words and not attack other opponents. Answers may have been cut to adhere to the word limit guideline. 

The details: Early voting begins Feb. 17 and runs through Feb. 27. Election day is March 3.