Wednesday, October 9

US 281 Expansion Project: Traffic Switch & Intersection Reconstruction At Evans Road


Did you know that, among various other improvements, the ongoing US 281 Segment 1 Expansion Project will feature a new overpass at Evans Road?

The project is in full swing, as many of you know if you frequently drive on this major highway in the San Antonio area. Phase I of the expansion goes from Loop 1604 to just north of Stone Oak Parkway.

In order to get into the nitty gritty of the Evans overpass construction, our contractor will need to put in place the third major traffic switch of the project. 

You'll recall the previous two switches respectively targeted the southern and northern ends of the project. The remaining portion in the middle is at the US 281 intersection at Evans Road.

Beginning at 9 p.m. this Friday, October 11, northbound and southbound US 281 traffic at Evans Road will be shifted from the existing mainlanes to the newly constructed frontage roads on the outside so crews can work on the overpass in the middle (again, same approach as the previous switches diverting drivers to the new frontage roads to allow work on the expanded mainlanes in the middle).

Also as before, the switch will be gradually rolled out through Friday night into Saturday, October 12. If all goes well, it should be completed no later than Saturday evening.

Please note that there will be a reduction in speed in this area, dropping from 60 to 45 mph. As with the previous switches, drivers will have the same number of lanes so there's no loss of capacity.

After the traffic switch is complete, reconstruction of the US 281 and Evans Road intersection will begin between the newly built frontage roads. This construction is anticipated to take approximately one week.

During this time, the northbound to westbound and the southbound to eastbound turn lanes at Evans Road and US 281 will be closed. Drivers will need to take the next turnaround and turn right. Heavy traffic is expected in the area so please allow plenty of time to get to your destination or seek alternate routes.

A new timing phase for traffic lights will be implemented for the route. Timing will be monitored and adjusted accordingly to optimize traffic flow.

This traffic switch ushers the completion of the first phase US 281 Segment 1 Expansion project. As we move into Phase 2, we will continue to update the public on the progress of the project. As always, we appreciate your patience.

Please note that this switch is weather permitting and subject to change.

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