Stay in the know with the top five most-read stories in May, including details on upcoming developments, transportation projects and more.

1. Bastrop retail boom expands SH 71 corridor: Three developments—Sendero, Burleson Crossing East and Bastrop West—are in various stages of construction.

2. Road to relief: Drivers navigate construction along SH 71 as TxDOT continues $293M updates: Orange barrels and shifting lanes are a daily reality for drivers along SH 71 between Bastrop and Austin.

3. ‘Prime conditions’: Houston toad recovery efforts renewed in Bastrop: Officials hope to reestablish Houston toads at Bastrop State Park after the species disappeared following the 2011 Bastrop County Complex Wildfire.

4. Community comment opens on proposed groundwater conditions in Bastrop County: A 90-day public comment period is now open, giving residents and stakeholders a chance to weigh in on long-term water planning decisions.

5. Bastrop home cook brings local flavor to ‘MasterChef: Global Gauntlet’: Bastrop resident Camilo Chavez brings a mix of Texas flair, Mexican heritage and hometown pride to the competition.

Bastrop families can explore the power of electricity when the Bastrop County Museum & Visitor Center kicks off its newest exhibit: Spark Your Imagination.

"This dynamic exhibit offers an engaging experience for all ages, blending history, science and interactive learning to spark curiosity and inspire the next generation," officials said in a news release.

In a nutshell: Designed for people of all ages in partnership with Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative, the exhibit will offer fun ways to learn about the science and history of electricity in Bastrop County.

What they're saying: “This is a rare exhibit that combines science and history with a family-friendly attitude," said collections manager Karlin Lojo. "We’re excited to ... bring this exhibit to the community.”

• June 13, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. (Make-and-take); June 16-Aug. 1, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (exhibit)
• Price included with museum admission ($8; free for children age 12 and under, museum members, military members and veterans)
• Bastrop County Museum & Visitor Center, 904 Main St., Bastrop

Check out six upcoming or ongoing transportation project updates across the Austin metro.

Upcoming projects
Austin will commit $104M to support future I-35 decks: Austin will commit more than $100 million to support future public amenity decks covering portions of I-35, after a scaled-down alternate proposal was tabled this spring. The city would develop larger caps and smaller stitches to cover the interstate, connecting downtown and East Austin with public decks that could house parks, plazas and small buildings or venues. Building all caps and stitches is now estimated to cost about $400 million, added amenities across all decks could cost nearly $260 million, and maintaining the structures will cost about $9 million annually once they're in place. 

Ongoing projects
Construction on Austin Avenue bridges in Georgetown to resume: The southbound Austin Avenue bridge decks will be demolished beginning this month in preparation for new bridge construction. Demolition will take approximately two months, and both bridges are anticipated to be completed and open to traffic next April. 

Ebisu Life Store, Austin’s newest Japanese lifestyle shop, officially opened May 22 in Northwest Austin, according to co-owner Fiona Hu. 

What they offer: Owners Fiona and Michael Hu have stocked the shop with blind boxes, anime, plush toys, snacks, drinks, skincare items and household goods, according to Ebisu's social media. 

Shoppers can find brands like Pokémon, Smiski and Sanrio merchandise. For snacks, patrons can pick up Pocky, as well as special KitKat and Oreo flavors.

Learn more: For Ebisu's first week open, the owners are offering promotions including giveaways, gifts and sales on select items. The promotions are valid through May 29 and more information can be found on the businesses Instagram page.

• 8557 Research Blvd., Ste. 130, Austin