Austin and the Texas Department of Transportation reached a new agreement for management of state highways throughout the city.

The details: The city and state coordinate to oversee both controlled access highways like I-35 and MoPac, and noncontrolled TxDOT roadways including stretches of Menchaca and Bee Caves roads. Austin and TxDOT recently worked to lay out a new maintenance agreement given updates to roadway conditions and relevant regulations, which was approved by City Council on Feb. 5.

The new framework was developed after review by several city departments that share oversight of the roadways and adjacent areas. Transportation Director Richard Mendoza previously said the agreement remains "largely the same" as the one established decades ago and isn't expect to carry any budget impacts for the city.

From screen printing to baking, read about six business updates in the Dripping Springs area.

Now open: Soul Retreat Spa
Those looking to unwind, release tension and relieve stress can now book an appointment at Soul Retreat Spa. The spa offers services to treat a variety of issues, including neck, head, back, knee, hip and leg pain; fibromyalgia; chronic pain; tennis and golf elbow; and Sciatica pain.

• Grand opening Feb. 5
• 2400B Hwy. 290, Ste. 5, Dripping Springs

• Opening May 1
• 11601 Hwy. 290, Ste. 106, Austin

• Relocated Feb. 10
• 11190 Circle Drive, Bldg. 3, Ste. 360, Dripping Springs

Barton Springs Pool will close Feb. 23-March 13 for maintenance, including the removal of a decades-old pipeline that's prompted environmental and safety concerns.

What's happening: The multiweek pool closure was announced by the city in February after Austin Parks and Recreation and Austin Watershed Protection identified potentially unstable portions of a 1940s bypass line near the pool. The pipeline experienced damage after multiple floods over the years, and is now at risk of collapsing into the pool area.

In response, the Barton Springs Skimmer Bypass Project was launched to remove some or all of the aging pipeline to address those risks. City departments determined removing the bypass would be the best option based on cost and timeline, with the project scheduled for this winter to minimize recreational impacts.

The project will also have protections in place for the endangered salamander living around Barton Springs, and may end up improving their habitat.