A project to widen Old FM 2243 is one of two projects to be funded by the city of Leander and Williamson County after Leander City Council approved an interlocal agreement Aug. 6.

The project would widen the road from two lanes to four between US 183 and the new connection of North Lakeline Boulevard. Leander City Manager Kent Cagle said the project could start in the fall, last 18 months and cost a total of $24 million.

“This is a very complicated project,” Cagle said.

Cagle added that the project on the road, known as Hero Way, would include engineering, acquiring rights of way and moving electric lines as well as adding the new lanes.

According to the interlocal agreement, Williamson County will provide $9.15 million for the project from county bond funding, leaving the project balance to be funded by the city.

Cagle said City Council could award a construction bid in October.

City Council also approved an interlocal agreement with Williamson County for a related project to widen Bagdad Road between Old FM 2243 and CR 280.

Assistant City Manager Tom Yantis said the Bagdad project could cost a total of $13 million, of which the county using bond funds will pay about $4.9 million. Yantis said City Council could also approve the Bagdad project bid in October.

City Engineer Wayne Watts said the projects will help promote growth in northwest Leander.

“It’s where the growth quarter is—lots of land, utilities, infrastructure,” Watts said April 27. “Ten years from now this [area] may all be subdivisions [and] commercial. It’s not a matter of if, it’s just a matter of when. It’s going to happen.”