On Jan. 20, the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority opened the second phase of the Toll 183A Shared Use Path. The 10-foot-wide path allows walkers, joggers and cyclists to travel from Leander to Cedar Park.

The path is a 5-mile stretch that runs north from FM 1431 to Hero Way and connects to the first phase of the shared-use path, which begins at South Brushy Creek Road and runs to FM 1431. The first phase of the path opened in 2011.

Mobility Authority officials hope to extend the path farther north to the Capital Metro Park & Ride station in Leander and eventually to the South San Gabriel River. The path already connects to a bridge across South Brushy Creek, in turn connecting to the shared-use path and Brushy Creek Regional Trail, which spans Williamson County.

In 2002, the state created the Mobility Authority to serve Travis and Williamson counties to help reduce traffic congestion and create alternative transportation sources for community members. The Mobility Authority is responsible for operating Toll 183A, which cuts through Cedar Park and Leander.