In January, Williamson County broke ground on a $132 million project to transform Hero Way and RM 2243 into a divided, controlled-access highway from 183A Toll in Leander to Southwest Bypass in Georgetown.

The current rural two-lane road will expand to two main lanes in each direction, flanked by three-lane frontage roads, easing congestion on a corridor where traffic has doubled over the past 20 years.

The current situation: Phase 1A will construct the first frontage road from 183A Toll to Garey Park Road, with completion expected by early 2028. County and city officials say the project will improve safety, reduce commute times and foster economic growth.

Of note: The roadway’s realignment is already attracting commercial and residential development, including a Home Depot, a hotel and new housing subdivisions. Utility relocations begin this year, with most roadwork starting in 2027.

What they're saying​​: “It is going to revolutionize the way traffic moves through Leander, and it’s critical that it starts and opens,” said Bridget Brandt, president of the Leander Chamber of Commerce.  

Georgetown locals can check out these events happening in March, including a photography festival, a tea party and an outdoor activity day. 

Royal Tea Party
Children are invited to participate in a whimsical gathering at Garey House. The party will include snacks, crafts and more. Kids are encouraged to come dressed in their royal outfits.

• March 8, 2-4 p.m.
• $15 (per child), free (adults)
• 6450 RM 2243, Georgetown

• March 11, 3:30-5:30 p.m.
• Free
• 249 Wildwood Drive, Georgetown

• March 21, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Free (admission), $35 (educational workshops)
• Downtown Georgetown

Firo Fire Kissed Pizza closed its Georgetown location in late January, a representative for the company confirmed.

Looking back: The quick-service restaurant, which opened in March 2019, offered a handful of signature pizzas and salads, as well as build-your-own options. The business also served Italian-style gelato.

Firo has two other locations in Wichita Falls and Lawton, Oklahoma.

• 3702 DB Wood Road, Georgetown

Check out the top six trending stories in the Austin area Feb. 23-27. 

1. Major highway overhaul underway between Leander and Georgetown

2. Updates on a dozen businesses serving west Georgetown

3. The League Kitchen & Tavern to close in Lakeway; Cousin Louie’s location announced

4. Costco to open new store in Liberty Hill this March

5. Lane closures over Mays Street bridge in effect

6. 9-mile stretch of US 183 expansion nears finish line

Dozens of Texans shared their feedback Feb. 25 on the current phase of a lengthy revision of the state’s social studies curriculum standards. Parents, educators and students urged the State Board of Education to slow the revision process down and give those drafting the new curriculum more time to work.

The overview: The state is currently overhauling the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for social studies, which are the standards dictating what public school students should learn at each grade level. The board is expected to adopt the new standards this summer before they are rolled out to classrooms in 2030.

“We have one opportunity to get this right for an entire generation of students,” said Meghan Dougherty, an Austin-area social studies specialist involved in the revision process.

Zooming in: Several educators involved in drafting the new curriculum plan said current proposals included "too much content" with a heavy emphasis on Texas history, while some appointed content advisers and SBOE members argued schools should teach lessons focused on "American exceptionalism [and] Texan exceptionalism."