ATX-SWA: Impact 10/8/2025

Several road and pedestrian improvement projects are currently underway or have recently been completed in the Austin and Dripping Springs areas. These projects are impacting traffic and enhancing safety for both drivers and pedestrians.

Ongoing projects: Construction on Slaughter Lane at Briar Ridge Drive is installing a new pedestrian hybrid beacon and will cause intermittent single-lane closures from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, while maintaining access to homes and businesses. The project is expected to be completed by November.

Work on Oak Hill Parkway continues, with lane reductions and closures as crews finish improvements, including new raised highways and MoPac connectors. These closures are expected through the end of 2025 as part of the $677 million TxDOT Texas Clear Lanes project.

Completed projects: The Mercer Street sidewalk opened for public use Sept. 15. The pathway stretches from North Rob Shelton Boulevard to RR 12, and includes a raised crosswalk and two pedestrian beacons. Temporary barricades remain in place until handrails are installed next month.

Austin Transit Partnership board members approved a $203 million budget Sept. 17 for fiscal year 2025-26, marking another major step toward launching the Austin Light Rail project. The budget outlines funding for key contracts expected to be awarded over the next year to design and build tracks, stations, maintenance facilities and vehicles. ATP officials said a design and engineering firm is expected to be selected by early 2026.

Of note: The budget also continues a focus on community impacts, setting aside $20 million for anti-displacement initiatives, which are administered by the city of Austin. These funds will support affordable housing, land acquisition and other programs to help vulnerable residents and businesses stay near future transit lines.

Looking ahead: As part of upcoming project work, the city has authorized ATP to begin preparing for property acquisitions needed for the rail route, which could affect roughly 63 business properties along the alignment. Construction is expected to begin in 2027 following federal approvals.

The Calhoun House, a home of pioneering Black educators and civic leaders, was recommended to be designated as a landmark at the Historic Landmark Commission’s Oct. 1 meeting.

What to know: Preservation Austin announced the residence’s nomination and stated that the homeowner and daughter of Thelma and Theodore Calhoun, Patricia Calhoun, has worked alongside the organization throughout the process.

“The history preserved in places like the Calhoun House is essential for future generations of Black Austinites to understand where they come from, the sacrifices made on their behalf and the legacy of strength they inherit,” Preservation Austin president Miriam Conner said. “This is not just history to preserve—it’s a foundation for identity, pride and continued community building.”

What’s else?: According to data gathered by Preservation Austin, 47 of 629 Austin landmarks honored Austin’s Black heritage. The Planning Commission and City Council will hear the case and vote on finalizing the historic landmark designation later this year, a news release states.

• 2401 Givens Ave., Austin

Odyssey, a New York-based tech company, has been selected to manage Texas’ $1 billion education savings account program, the state comptroller’s office announced Oct. 6.

The overview: Odyssey will work with the comptroller to launch the program, deemed “Texas Education Freedom Accounts,” ahead of the 2026-27 school year. Families can begin applying for the program early next year, and those accepted will receive thousands of dollars in state funds to send their children to private school or homeschool them.

Zooming in: Odyssey will develop and manage an online platform to administer Texas’ education savings account program. State law also tasks the company with:

• Collecting applications and determining which families are accepted to the program
• Approving vendors for education-related materials and services, such as textbooks, transportation and tutoring
• Reviewing inquiries and complaints about the program
• Advertising the program and communicating with interested families