Leander's transit-oriented development district moved another step forward July 25 when the area's third major roadway opened for traffic.

Mel Mathis Avenue, an approximately 1.1-mile asphalt four-lane roadway that extends from FM 2243 to San Gabriel Parkway, represents progress for the city of Leander, Mayor Chris Fielder said during a dedication ceremony prior to the road's opening. The new north-south arterial should help attract development suited for the TOD district, he said, particularly mixed-use, high-density urban projects near Leander's Capital Metro Park & Ride train station.

"This roadway creates a starting point for that kind of development," Fielder said.

Fielder also credited the regional support received on the $5.41 million project, most of which—$4.03 million—was reimbursed by the Capital Area Metro Planning Organization.

Several members of the Mathis family were also in attendance during the dedication ceremony. The road was named after Mel Mathis because the longtime real estate broker helped organize many of the landowners when Leander first hatched the idea for a TOD district.