BUDA — In the 1986 Austin Metropolitan Transportation Plan, SH 45 was envisioned to become a loop encircling the city of Austin, known as the Austin Outer Parkway. Over the last 37 years, sections of the highway have largely been completed, leaving only the “gap” between I-35 South and RM 1626 to complete the circle. Now, Hays County and the city of Buda are working together to explore the feasibility of closing the gap and to gather input on what local residents and business owners desire.