Local and federal officials marked the completion of the largest erosion control project in Austin's history at Roy G. Guerrero Colorado River Metropolitan Park.

The details: The $28.5 million Guerrero Park project included extensive stabilization along Country Club Creek and the construction of a new pedestrian bridge over the channel.

Funding from both city and federal sources supported the stabilization work and new bridge construction after a previous crossing was wiped out during severe flooding in 2015. Austin parks Director Jesús Aguirre said the replacement structure now offers a safer and more accessible route for the area.

Country Club Creek now has a restored natural bottom and new stabilization features like rocks and native grass on its banks. The more than 160-foot bridge connecting the park's east and west sides was designed to withstand future floods, and spans one of three new grade-control structures for stormwater in the channel.

South Austin has become home to a new Kendra Scott location and a locally owned art gallery/event space. The area can expect a few new changes coming to the business scene in the near future with a new coffee cart and a Mediterranean restaurant. This list is not comprehensive. 

Oria
Oria, a new Mediterranean restaurant, is slated to open to diners off Barton Springs Road in late February. The restaurant specializes in charcoal- and wood-fired cooking inspired by flavors from the Eastern Mediterranean and Southern Europe, including bright acidity, bold spices and fire-forward cooking techniques.

• Opening Feb. 27
• 1530 Barton Springs Road, Austin 

• Opening in early March
• 1620 E. Riverside Drive, Austin

From coffee in the morning to a Persian dinner by evening, check out these businesses that are now open, coming soon or in the news in North Austin.

Now open
Roya
A new Persian restaurant from Amir Hajimaleki—chef and owner of District Kitchen and Cocktails, Oasthouse Kitchen and Bar, Keepers Coastal Kitchen, and Daisy Lounge—is now open.

• Opened Feb. 11
• 7858 Shoal Creek Blvd., Austin

• Opening in 2026
• 2411 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Austin

• 3720 RR 2222, Austin

Texans will see candidates for 18 statewide positions on the March primary ballot, including one state railroad commissioner, the state land commissioner and the state agriculture commissioner.

The overview: Despite its name, the Railroad Commission of Texas does not govern the state’s railroads. So what do railroad commissioners and the leaders of other Texas agencies do?

Community Impact compiled information about various state agencies to help inform Texans before they head to the polls for the March primary elections.

At the polls: Early voting runs from Feb. 17-27, and primary election day is March 3.