San Antonio Faces Major Traffic Changes with I-35 Overhaul
San Antonio, get ready to hit the brakes! If you’re one of the many who traverse the busy Rittiman Road and I-35 junction during rush hours, you might want to buckle up for some extra travel time starting October 21. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is launching a month-long closure of a vital turnaround lane at this intersection as part of a significant overhaul of I-35.
A Rush-hour Reality Check
That stretch of highway isn’t just a casual drive for most; it’s a critical link between Austin and Downtown San Antonio. If you’ve ever cruised down this route during the morning or evening rush, you know how important this connection is. Now, with an 18-wheeler loading dock located nearby and a heavily populated area to contend with, the anticipated closure is likely to lead to some serious congestion. Expect to see long lines of frustrated commuters in the left turn lanes at I-35 South and Rittiman Road as the closure continues through mid-November.
Government road work is never easy for drivers, and this project is no exception. But, as they say, sometimes you have to deal with a little chaos to achieve progress.
What’s Going On with I-35?
The long-term closure is a small part of a massive expansion plan taking place on I-35. This entire overhaul, known as the Northeast Expansion Project (NEX), aims to enhance the roadway significantly. Jennifer Serold, a TxDOT spokesperson, elaborated that there will be raised lanes constructed to connect I-35 traffic directly to Loop 1604 and Loop 410 at various points.
As of now, the project covers a 15-mile stretch of the interstate stretching from near Schertz to North Walters Street by Fort Sam Houston. The goal? To create a more efficient and safer highway. The current phase is focused on a 9-mile portion of the route that runs from 410 in Windcrest all the way to Selma. The price tag for this project is steep, coming in at around $1.5 billion, but when you consider the traffic woes that have plagued this area, many agree it’s a price worth paying.
Looking Ahead: Patience and Alternative Routes
While we’re excited about the improvements, there’s no denying that the next few weeks might be a bit of a headache for commuters. So what should you do? For starters, you might want to plan your route a little differently. Instead of relying solely on the conventional paths, consider exiting early and exploring alternative back streets to get to your destinations. This could save you from sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic during peak hours.
Your Future Commute
The construction is undeniably disruptive, but it paves the way for an upgraded highway experience. Once completed in 2027, these elevated lanes are expected to provide two general-purpose lanes and one high-occupancy vehicle lane, making it easier for everyone to get where they need to go.
For those who call San Antonio home, stay patient. The construction might feel like a never-ending trial, but the end result promises to make our daily commutes much smoother and safer.
So, grab your favorite podcast or your best playlist and prepare for the journey ahead. Whether it’s a long wait or a back street detour, we’re all in this together as we navigate the bumps in the road to progress!
