Motorists traveling along Gruene Road and Post Road will see construction at the intersection beginning Nov. 2.

What residents should know: E-Z Bel Construction, the contractor for the Gruene Road/Post Road Intersection Improvement Project, will work during the day from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and construction is expected to continue through mid-February, according to a city news release.

The first phase of the project's construction will not require detours, but residents should expect traffic delays. Later phases beginning in December will require detours, according to the release.

About the project: Gruene Road at the Post Road intersection will be realigned and the intersection will be converted to a four-way stop to help reduce traffic. Construction crews will also be adding new sidewalks with Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant curb ramps and pavement striping, according to the release.

The project, which costs $700,000, is being funded by Roadway Impact Fees, which are collected from new development. New Braunfels City Council awarded the construction contract to E-Z Bel Construction in July.

During an Oct. 26 meeting, New Braunfels City Council unanimously authorized an additional $3.1 million expenditure to acquire right-of-way, or ROW, and utility easements for the Barbarosa Road/Saur Lane Improvements Project.

The overview: The existing two-lane road, from FM 1101 to Saengerhalle, will be widened to four lanes. Drainage and intersection improvements are also associated with the project. Civil engineering firm Cobb, Fendley & Associates has been providing acquisition services for this project. 

The project was initially budgeted at $1.45 million—based on 2022 market conditions—to purchase 19 acquisitions, according to the meeting presentation. City staff has since identified several additional acquisitions needed for the project, which has increased the cost by $1.65 million, or 113.8%.

“Real estate costs have appreciated; more importantly, the current appraisals that we’ve received for the project on the parcels we’ve been working on have verified this increase in land cost,” said Michael Hale, Cobb, Fendley & Associates’ regional ROW project manager. 

Vineyard Vines has officially reopened its doors after relocating to a new storefront at the San Marcos Premium Outlets. 

The whole story: Vineyard Vines is now situated between Perfumania and Perry Ellis. The brand opened its new location to customers in late October.

What they offer: Founded in 1998 by brothers Shep and Ian Murray, Vineyard Vines offers a wide range of clothing and accessories for men, women and children.

• San Marcos Premium Outlets, 3939 N. I-35, Ste. 735, San Marcos

Texans' last chance to vote in this year's midterm election is Nov. 3. Polling places across the state will be open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. on Election Day, according to the secretary of state's office.

What to expect: Dozens of races will appear on the ballot, from U.S. Senate and governor to local officials and propositions.

If a voter runs into an issue at the polls that cannot be immediately resolved, such as a lack of photo ID or an administrative error, they have the right to cast a provisional ballot, per state law. Some voters may be required to return to the local voter registrar's office by Nov. 9—six days after Election Day—to resolve the issue after voting.

Stay informed: Visit communityimpact.com/voter-guide to read Q&As with hundreds of candidates, find coverage of local propositions and print a custom sample ballot to bring to the polls.

After polls close at 7 p.m. Nov. 3, election results will be posted on the same webpage.