Weekend Road Closures Loom for Loop 1604 Expansion in San Antonio
Hey there, San Antonio! If you’ve been planning to hit the road this weekend, you’ll want to hear about some significant roadwork that’s taking place around our city. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is kicking off the full closure of the interchange between Loop 1604 and I-10 starting at 9 p.m. on Friday, September 13, and it’s going to last until Saturday afternoon. Yes, you read that right; it’s going to be quite the weekend challenge for drivers.
What to Expect This Weekend
So, what does this all mean for you? Well, if you’re planning on driving in these parts, be prepared for some detours. TxDOT is advising drivers that they will need to exit early to navigate around the area. If you’re heading east on I-10, you’ll need to take the I-10 access road, and if you’re heading west, your exit will be at UTSA Boulevard to keep moving under the Loop 1604 interchange. And don’t forget, those on Loop 1604 will have to get off at either Lockhill Selma Road or La Cantera Parkway.
But that’s not all! The stretch of Loop 1604 between Babcock Road and Hausman Road will be completely closed from Friday night until noon on Saturday, making things a bit trickier for everyone. Drivers will find themselves redirected to access roads, which, heads up, will also be dealing with closures and construction this weekend. It’s shaping up to be a rather disruptive time on the roads, to say the least!
Why All the Fuss?
Now, you might be wondering why all this disruption is happening. Here’s the scoop: the closures are part of a massive $1.4 billion expansion project along Loop 1604. According to TxDOT spokesperson, Jennifer Serold, this project is all about improving mobility and reducing congestion on a very busy corridor that spans across 23 miles in north Bexar County. With the way traffic is expected to soar over the next couple of decades, they’ve prioritized this expansion to better serve the growing population.
Serold explains, “This expansion is not just about fixing current traffic jams; it’s about preparing for future growth. We’re facing projections where the number of daily drivers could double over the next 20 to 25 years.” And let’s be honest, no one wants to navigate through those bottlenecks. The initiative aims to deliver improvements as quickly as possible since some work is going on at multiple sites simultaneously. Thank goodness for that!
A Look Ahead
While the weekend closures might pose a bit of a hassle for you, transit officials assure us that this is all in service of a greater good. Expect better lanes and safer travel once the construction wraps up. Reducing congestion essentially elevates safety levels too, making our roads safer for everyone who hops in their vehicles. So, hang tight, San Antonio! The wait will be worth it when we finally enjoy smoother commuting days ahead.
As we push through these temporary inconveniences, let’s remember to stay safe, and drive cautiously. And if you’re planning any trips over the weekend, be sure to account for these closures in your travel plans!
