Construction is underway on a new member-based mahjong lounge in Lakeway.

The gist: West Austin Social, a private mahjong lounge and social club, is expected to open this fall. In addition to mahjong games, the social club will offer drinks and feature a shop with gift items, jewelry, candles, mahjong sets and more.

The business will offer monthly and annual memberships. The club will open in the Tillman Center, across from Lexus of Lakeway.

• Opening in October

Travis County is hosting an open house on July 27 to receive feedback on the proposed road improvements in the Cardinal Hills neighborhood near Lakeway.

The open house will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Travis County West Service Center, located at 4501 RR 620 N, Austin.

The overview: The project scope includes several residential roads near Cardinal Hills that are currently designated as substandard, meaning the road’s conditions do not meet the County’s standards, according to Travis County development regulations.

The details: The proposed improvements include the reconstruction of existing roadways and drainage enhancements at the following sites:

• Lariat Trail between the Hudson Bend Middle School driveway and Lawrence Drive

• Lawrence Drive between Sutton Drive and Lariat Trail

• Approximately 200 feet of Sutton Drive near the intersection of Sutton Drive and Lariat Trail

• Approximately 420 feet of easement area southwest of Sutton Drive

• Julie Lane

• Richerson Drive

• Scott Drive

• Kinsey Court

• San Antonio Street between Richerson Drive and Iowa Street

Check out the latest transportation project updates across the Austin metro. 

Ongoing projects

Burnet Road Mobility Program
Project: The project will feature updated traffic signals, improved crossings, bus stop improvements, trail connections, drainage improvements, shared-use paths and more on Burnet Road from White Horse Trail to US 183 (C2), Bright Verde Way to MoPac (C3) and US 183 to Bright Verde Way (C4).
Update: According to Austin Transportation and Public Works officials, all three segments are officially under construction as of early June. 

• Timeline: 2026-28
• Cost: $64 million
• Funding source: 2016 Mobility Bond

• Timeline: March 2023-early 2029
• Cost: $606 million
• Funding source: funded by Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Texas Department of Transportation

Gov. Greg Abbott named Robert S. Howden, one of his senior advisers and his office's legislative director, as Texas' 116th secretary of state effective July 18. Howden will succeed Secretary of State Jane Nelson, who resigned effective July 17 more than three years after she took office.

As the state's chief elections officer, Howden will be responsible for overseeing the application of Texas election laws and assisting local election officials. The secretary of state's office also manages business records, government rules and regulations, and other official duties.

Following Abbott's appointment, Howden must be confirmed for the position by at least two-thirds of the Texas Senate. The state Legislature's next regular session will begin in January.