Full Weekend Closure of Loop 1604 North at I-10 May Cause Massive Disruptions
Anticipated traffic jams are set to disrupt normal traffic flow in San Antonio this weekend due to scheduled highway closures. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has announced a full closure of both main lanes of Loop 1604 at the Interstate 10 interchange for the entire weekend.
Details of the Closure
The closures, part of a larger $1.4 billion Loop 1604 North Expansion Project, take effect from 9 p.m. Friday through 5 a.m. on Monday. Besides the main lanes, the four ‘Cloverleaf’ ramps along Loop 1604 and I-10 will also be inaccessible throughout this time, leading to possible gridlocks on alternate routes.
Reason for the Closure
This hefty traffic reconstruction project aims to mitigate congestion along the 23-mile stretch from Bandera Road to Interstate 35, which is severely affecting daily commute times. The Loop 1604 Expansion Project features increased capacity and enhanced mobility to better accommodate the city’s growing population and rapid development.
Detour Information and Traffic Management
To manage this anticipated disruption, TxDOT has provided specified detour guidelines for different traffic scenarios. Travelers coming from I-10 WB will be directed to access Loop 1604 WB via La Cantera Parkway, the I-10 WB frontage road, and the U-turn at La Cantera Parkway.
Those moving from I-10 EB looking to reach Loop 1604 EB should exit to the I-10 EB frontage road past La Cantera Parkway and use the U-turn at UTSA Boulevard, finally joining Loop 1604 EB via Vance Jackson Road.
In short, all motorists on the Loop 1604 WB and EB mainlanes will need to use their respective frontage roads, with the addition of the I-10 WB and EB frontage roads as well as U-turns at La Cantera Parkway and UTSA Boulevard.
The Weekend Ahead
With this sizeable block on a critical connection creating a ripple effect throughout San Antonio, road users are urged to exercise caution, display patience, and plan their trips carefully. It is also recommended that drivers consider using alternative modes of transport if feasible to further alleviate congestion.
Regular updates, detailed detour maps, and information about the Loop 1604 expansion project are all accessible from the TxDOT website.
Conclusion
In the longer term, once the expansion project of Loop 1604 North is completed, it is projected to substantially ease traffic. However, until that time arrives, San Antonians will need to brace themselves for possible traffic challenges.
