A long-awaited overhaul of the US 183 corridor is nearing the finish line, with the final southbound express lanes expected to open as early as March. The northbound lanes debuted in January, marking a major milestone in the $612 million 183 North Mobility Project led by the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority.

A closer look: Spanning 9 miles from MoPac to SH 45, the project adds two tolled express lanes and one new nontolled lane in each direction, plus a flyover connection to MoPac and new shared-use paths for pedestrians and cyclists. Toll rates will vary based on demand, starting at $0.73 per segment with a toll tag, with the goal of keeping traffic moving at least 45 mph.

The outlook: Officials say the expansion is critical as Cedar Park’s population has grown roughly 60% since 2000, with continued growth in neighboring communities. Local leaders expect reduced congestion to boost safety, cut productivity losses and attract new business investment along the corridor.

Round Rock ISD will not create a period of prayer in the school day, following a legislatively required vote on the matter taken in February.

What you need to know: Trustees voted not to create a daily period of prayer in its schools, at the recommendation of staff, at a Feb. 19 board meeting. The vote is required by statute in Senate Bill 11, passed in the 89th Texas Legislature, with a deadline of March 1.

The details: Cindy Hill, the district's general counsel, said RRISD already has policies in place allowing students to silently pray, meditate, organize prayer groups or clubs, as well as express their religious viewpoints in their assignments.

A new pickleball facility, PickleTex, broke ground in late February in Georgetown near the Liberty Hill and Leander border.

In a nutshell: PickleTex will feature nine outdoor pickleball courts with full coverage and lighting. The facility plans to offer open play, court reservations, coaching, clinics and events for both members and nonmembers, according to a company spokesperson.

The business plans to open early this summer. 

• 6827 Hwy. 29, Georgetown

With a few days left to vote early in the March primaries, more Texans have turned out to the polls this year than in recent primary elections.

The gist: The increase is particularly pronounced among Democratic primary voters, state data shows, with more than twice as many Democratic votes cast by Feb. 24 than in Texas’ last gubernatorial primary.

Zooming in: Statewide, nearly 1.3 million Texans, or about 7% of the state’s 18.7 million registered voters, cast early ballots through Feb. 24, the eighth day of the 11-day early voting period. This is up from about 6% turnout at the same point in 2024 and about 4% turnout in 2022.

In interviews with Community Impact, election analysts attributed Texas’ rising primary voter turnout in part to a slate of competitive, high-profile races on each party’s primary ballot.

At the polls: Early voting in Texas’ Republican and Democratic primaries runs through Feb. 27, and primary election day is March 3. During early voting, registered voters can visit any polling location within their county of residence.