A new, faster commute option is now available for drivers traveling between Austin, Cedar Park and beyond. The northbound 183 Express Lanes, part of Phase 1 of the 183 North Mobility Project, opened Jan. 2, extending the region’s express lane network and creating a direct connection to the 183A Toll Road.

In a nutshell: The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority announced the opening as part of a phased rollout of the long-running project. A northbound direct connector from the MoPac Express Lane to the 183 Express Lanes is expected to open soon, followed by southbound express lanes and connectors within the next few months. 
Non-tolled lanes and access points remain unchanged, and a fourth general-purpose lane between MoPac and SH 45 was previously completed in 2024.

The outlook: The $612 million project is expected to be fully completed in 2026 and aims to significantly reduce travel times while improving bike and pedestrian infrastructure along the corridor.

Editor's note: This article is based on a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation filing. Community Impact will update this story when more information is available.

A new Chipotle Mexican Grill location is proposed for East Crystal Falls Parkway in Leander, according to a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation filing. 

Learn more: The build-out for the 2,385-square-foot space is projected to begin in early May and conclude in October. The project is expected to cost about $1.2 million, according to the TDLR filing.

On the menu: The restaurant offers burritos, bowls, salads, quesadillas, tacos, chips and sides with a variety of customizable options. 

One more thing: Currently, there is only one other Chipotle located in Leander, which opened in September 2022, according to previous Community Impact reporting. 
10745 E. Crystal Falls Parkway, Leander
 

The South San Gabriel River Trail in Georgetown is closed due to ongoing emergency repairs to a failed wastewater line, according to a Jan. 6 city news release.

Water remains safe to drink at this time. Residents should avoid contact with water in San Gabriel Park and Blue Hole Park while repairs continue, the release states.

What happened: City water utility crews found a major failure of a 42-inch wastewater line behind the Wolf Ranch Shopping Center in Georgetown during an investigation in the Wolf Ranch lift station Jan. 5.

After seeing signs of untreated wastewater at the site of the line break and downstream, the city immediately dispatched crews for repairs. City officials have not determined the timeline or cause of the break yet, the release states.

The impact: The line break caused more than 100,000 gallons of untreated wastewater to overflow into the San Gabriel River, according to the release.

While some individuals are interested in working on personal goals and mental health in a traditional talk therapy environment, there are additional options for those looking for a different way to work on intrapersonal goals. This list is not comprehensive.

Community Art Therapy
Type of therapies offered: Art therapy, trauma-informed therapy, somatic and expressive arts approaches, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, play-based interventions and art therapy process groups
11402 Joy St., Austin; 12741 Research Blvd., Ste. 402, Austin; 8700 Menchaca Road, Ste. 202, Austin

Open My World Therapeutic Riding Center
Type of therapy offered: adaptive horseback riding, horse powered reading, H.A.P.Y. (“Hug A Pony”) mobile program, bringing mini horses to autism, memory care and hospice centers
5300 CR 279, Leander

Sound for Stress
Type of therapy offered: sound healing experiences
Classes vary in locations across Round Rock and Austin