Traffic Detours Ahead: What’s Happening on I-35 in San Antonio
Hey San Antonio! If you’re planning to hit the roads this week, particularly during rush hour, you might want to buckle up for some unexpected detours. Starting Monday, October 7, a series of detours are set to shake up the usual flow around I-35 and Loop 1604 as the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) continues major renovation efforts on this vital freeway.
What to Expect
Drivers in the Northeast Side should prepare for some changes. The construction will not only affect daily commutes but could also complicate those nighttime drives. So, if you regularly navigate this area, mark your calendars because you’ll see several lane and ramp closures. From Monday through Wednesday, both the ramps connecting westbound I-35 to 1604 and northbound I-35 to westbound Loop 1604 will be completely closed. This closure means that crews will be busy conducting vital structure work.
But it doesn’t stop there! If you’re planning any late-night drives, take note: every night from 9 p.m. until 5 a.m., you won’t have access to the ramp connecting eastbound 1604 to I-35 or the entrance ramp to Loop 1604 from the IKEA-RBFCU Parkway. Plus, the ramp connecting southbound I-35 to Loop 1604 will be closed too! Talk about a logistical puzzle!
The Longest Closure
For those of you who might be wondering, when will it all end? One of the longest closures will last through Saturday, October 12. During this time, the southbound frontage road of I-35 from IKEA-RBFCU Parkway to Pat Booker Road won’t be accessible. Additionally, both the ramp connecting eastbound Loop 1604 to southbound I-35 and the ramp connecting southbound I-35 to westbound Loop 1604 will also be shut down during this extensive closure.
But Wait, There’s More!
This construction is just one piece of an even larger puzzle. Remember the major overhaul of Loop 1604 on the Northside? Well, there’s another significant project scheduled to kick off in 2024! This project focuses on expanding a 15-mile stretch of I-35 that extends from FM 1103 near Schertz all the way to North Walters Street by Fort Sam Houston.
As part of this expansion, I-35 is set to transform into a two-tier highway configuration, complete with raised lanes that connect I-35 traffic directly to Loop 1604 and Loop 410. This is part of a big initiative known as the Northeast Expansion Project (NEX), designed to alleviate traffic congestion and streamline mobility in the area.
The Numbers Behind the Project
According to TxDOT spokesperson Jennifer Serold, the central phase of construction currently unfolding on I-35 runs from Loop 410—particularly the Windcrest area—down to Selma. It’s a massive undertaking, with the current 9-mile stretch estimated to cost around $1.5 billion. When everything is finished, we can expect a total of two general-purpose lanes and a high-occupancy vehicle lane that will link I-35 directly to Loop 410.
This ambitious construction project began back in 2022 and is slated for completion in 2027. While it can be frustrating to navigate these closures in the short term, the end result promises a smoother trip for all of us in the future.
Keep Calm and Drive On
So, during this construction season, remember to plan ahead. Allow yourself extra travel time, stay tuned for traffic updates, and, most importantly, be patient with fellow drivers facing the same detours. Here’s to safer driving and less traffic in the long run, San Antonio!
