Check out 5 transportation updates to your commute in Southwest Austin, Dripping Springs

Project: The city of Dripping Springs is aiming to beautify Old Fitzhugh Road while improving traffic flow, pedestrian access and connectivity. The project is one of four priority projects approved by the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Board in spring of 2017.

Update: The construction timeline for the Old Fitzhugh Road Improvement Project is tentatively from spring 2026 to spring 2028. Old Fitzhugh Road will be restricted to one-way operations throughout construction. Driveway closures and reconstruction of private driveways will be coordinated with property owners in advance of construction.

• Timeline: spring 2026-spring 2028
• Cost: $4.7 million
• Funding source: city of Dripping Springs, Hays County Parks and Open Space Grant, Texas Department of Transportation

Project: The Mercer Street Paseo is designed to provide connectivity between Mercer Street, restrooms and adjacent buildings. Amenities will include shade, lighting, benches, trash cans and drainage improvements.

Update: Design work is currently underway. The city is slated to begin construction by November.

• Timeline: 2026-TBD
• Cost: $180,250 for design work
• Funding source: city of Dripping Springs

Oak Hill Parkway

Project: The 7-mile stretch of highway has been undergoing a $677 million facelift since 2021. TxDOT is currently reconstructing Hwy. 290 in Oak Hill, transforming the existing four-lane, undivided roadway to a six-lane divided highway with new frontage roads and 14 miles of shared-use paths, according to TxDOT documents.

Update: Eastbound US 290 main lanes reopened between RM 1826 and William Cannon Drive on Feb. 19

• Timeline: 2022-26
• Cost: $677 million allocated for the entire project
• Funding source: TxDOT

Project: Two nontolled high-occupancy vehicle managed lanes in each direction will be added along I-35 from Hwy. 71 to SH 45 SE. This will include a new southbound bypass lane at Stassney Lane and William Cannon Drive to help improve traffic flow. Pedestrian and bicycle facilities will also be added along the corridor.

Update: Construction is underway as part of the broader MyMobility35 initiative. Crews are building elevated lanes between Hwy. 71 and Slaughter Lane. Nightly closures and detours are in effect.

• Timeline: 2022-28
• Cost: $548 million
• Funding sources: TxDOT, Capitol Area Metropolitan Planning Organization

Project: Mobility and safety improvements along Slaughter Lane between MoPac and Brodie Lane.

Update: As of Feb. 9, eastbound Slaughter Lane between MoPac and Brodie has been reduced to one lane. When work shifts, the westbound lane will also be reduced to one lane until paving operations are complete. This may increase travel times, especially near Bowie High School during peak pickup and drop-off times.

• Timeline: February-March (lane closure)
• Cost: $23 million (total project)
• Funding sources: city of Austin 2016 Mobility Bond