FM 1560 Widening Project: Upcoming Traffic Switch

 We are continuing to make progress on the FM 1560 (Hausman) strip between SH 16 (Bandera) and LP 1604. As you may have noticed, the north side of the project is near completion. Looking over the work zone barrier, you will be able to see a fresh, smooth blacktop surface with new curb and sidewalk.  

It’s time the contractor turns their attention to the south side of the project. In order to do so, traffic must be switched to the newly paved surface between Magnolia Way and LP 1604 as highlighted in the image below.

The traffic switch will take place on Monday, August 24^th.

Necessary improvements to the underground storm networks along the centerline of the roadway force us to eliminate the continuous left turn lane within those limits. 

However, you would miss it only temporarily. The contractor predicts that the opening of a continuous left turn lane would follow this change within a month and a half.  

We do understand the inconvenience eliminating the continuous left turn lane would cause. We have taken proactive measures and brainstormed all plausible alternatives but have concluded that it is the fastest and safest option moving forward for both the contractor and public.

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

What's going on with FM 1560?

Those living in the Helotes area may (or may not) have a few questions about the haps on FM 1560. Well, here are the answers.

Low water crossing

A few weeks ago Dan Williams Company started setting up a work zone on FM 1560 between Wynstone Place and Parrigin Road. The $1.4 million project replaces box culverts with a bridge that will prevent the road from being closed for high water during future storms.
For now the only impact to traffic is having the roadway lanes shifted a bit to create a safe work zone as crews do work on the south side of the road. Expect to see several traffic shifts as work continues to progress.
Overall completion of the work is expected near the start of 2018.

The old gas station near the Bandera Rd intersection
The old Shell Station at the intersection of FM 1560 and Hwy 16 has been vacant for a few months at this point and is being demolished. Why?
Well, because (in part) we're going to reconstruct that intersection. FM 1560 will have a four-way intersection at Riggs Road and intersect with Hwy 16 right next to 2 Fat Guys. Here's a look (click to enlarge):

For those who check out the project information page we created after holding our open house on the project, we are not building the superstreet through Helotes at this point. To be honest, we don't have that work currently programmed or funded; it's an idea we're still playing with, but not something to expect in the next couple of years.
The intersection work, though, is moving forward later this month. The folks with Dan Williams will be doing this $3.4 million project as well, which should be done by the end of summer 2018.

Hausman Road meeting TONIGHT

An open house meeting is being held tonight at the Helotes City Hall to discuss plans for Hausman Road outside Loop 1604. That meeting will run from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.

Hausman Road, from Loop 1604 to Bandera Road, is labeled FM 1560 on the state highways register. Between Loop 1604 and I-10 - inside the loop - Hausman Road is a city road, and work on that segment is ongoing under the direction of San Antonio's Department of Public Works.

For now, Hausman Road is all TxDOT's between the loop and Bandera Road; it's a secondary entryway into Helotes, and is the home of the Helotes Post Office.

TxDOT has plans to expand the road to a four-lane road with a center left turn lane, bike lanes and sidewalks - essentially matching the road the city is building inside the loop. For now, that plan is fairly general; no details have been etched in stone. This open house is an opportunity for folks who wish to have input on the project make sure they get a chance to be heard.

The open-house format will also allow people to ask questions of TxDOT planners and other staff.

Again, the meeting is tonight, Feb. 27, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Helotes City Hall on Bandera Road.