From new bridges and long-planned trail connections to construction impacts and regional ambitions, Austin’s trail network saw a series of notable milestones and changes taking shape across the city.

1. New bridge along downtown Austin trail marks milestone in Waterloo Greenway project
As part of the plans for the second phase of the Waterloo Greenway—a project known as The Confluence—the Hartman Bridge opened to the public Jan. 27, during a ceremonial ribbon-cutting ceremony furthering the project's goal of increasing pedestrian east-west connections.

2. Local officials break ground on east-west trail connection in South Austin
Once a bustling rail line, the construction of a trail in South Austin will bring new purpose into the bygone Bergstrom Spur transit corridor.

City of Austin officials broke ground Jan. 31 on the first phase of the Bergstrom Spur Trail, transforming the abandoned Union Pacific Railroad tracks into an east-west shared-use path.

We Are Blood is teaming up the Greater Austin YMCA and YMCA of Central Texas to host the fifth annual Winter Blood Drive Challenge.

What's happening: The end-of-year challenge, taking place from Dec. 22 through Dec. 31, aims to combat a decline in blood donations during the holidays due to travel, school and office closures, and weather. Despite a usual drop in donations this time of year, demand throughout the 10-county region served by We Are Blood often increases, according to a news release.

The details: Multiple YMCA locations across the Austin area will participate in the blood drive challenge. The location with the highest number of donations will win the challenge, taking home a trophy and earning bragging rights for a year.

Donors who participate will receive a We Are Blood sweatshirt and do not have to be YMCA members.

Looking for a way to avoid the kitchen Dec. 25? Check out these restaurants in the Austin area open on Christmas. This list is not comprehensive.

Acre 41
Christmas Eve dinner, Christmas Day dinner and Christmas Day brunch will be served at the restaurant featuring a slow-braised short rib, a full à la carte menu and gingerbread pancakes.

• Hours: 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. (brunch); 5 p.m.-9 p.m. (dinner)
• 1901 San Antonio St., Austin

• Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
• 8212 Barton Club Drive, Austin

• Hours: noon-10 p.m.
• 5510 S. I-35 Frontage Road, Austin

Austin-based business Rosen’s Bagel Co. has shared news about the team’s plans to open a third location in the Windsor Park neighborhood this spring.

What to know: The upcoming location will offer the business’s full menu which features hand-rolled, boiled-and-baked bagels, house-made schmears, breakfast bagel sandwiches and more.

Customers will still be able to find a full espresso bar starting at 6:30 a.m. as part of the business’s partnership with Tiny House Coffee Roasters. A curated selection of canned beer, wine and bubbles will be available later in the day.

What else?: The upcoming location will bring new collaborations with local food partners which will be announced soon. Rosen’s Bagel Co. received a $10,000 grant from the Food & Wine Alliance which helped push this growth forward.

The new location will join the company’s two existing locations which can be found on Burnet Road and in downtown at Republic Square.

• 5900 Westminster Drive, Austin