Long-Term Southbound I-35 Mainlane Traffic Switch

The southbound Interstate 35 (I-35) mainlanes from south of Watson Lane to Conrads Lane will be shifted out onto temporary detour lanes with work beginning the night of Saturday, August 15. For the traffic switch to occur, two southbound mainlanes will be closed to allow for crews to work on the transition. The traffic switch is scheduled to be complete the night of Sunday, August 16. This detour will allow for the construction of new southbound I-35 mainlanes and the new overpass at the Parkway intersection which is scheduled to open at the end of 2021. 

The southbound I-35 Watson Lane entrance ramp will also close on Saturday, August 15 and will remain closed until the mainlanes are complete.

The northbound mainlanes are scheduled to have the same type of closure in the weeks following the southbound traffic switch. 

Want to keep up with the latest on this project? Continue to check here for blog updates, as well as follow us on Twitter. Additionally, you can sign up for email updates by subscribing here http://eepurl.com/gRtrwn.

Long-Term Northbound I-35 Watson Lane Exit Ramp Closure

The northbound Interstate 35 (I-35) Watson Lane exit ramp will close long-term beginning 9 p.m. Saturday, August 1. Scheduled to reopen Summer 2021, the closure will continue our phasing for construction of the new Parkway intersection. The intersection will add dedicated turnarounds to the frontage roads between Kohlenberg Road/Conrads Lane and Watson Lane.

During this time, traffic will be detoured to the northbound I-35 Kohlenberg Road/Conrads Lane exit ramp before the Watson Lane exit ramp.

Want to keep up with the latest on this project? Continue to check here for blog updates, as well as follow us on Twitter. Additionally, you can sign up for email updates by subscribing here http://eepurl.com/gRtrwn.

UPCOMING SCHEDULED CONSTRUCTION CLOSURES

Loop 1604 – North Central San Antonio

• None scheduled.

Loop 1604 – Northeast San Antonio

• Sunday, December 29 until Saturday, January 4. Daily 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Westbound frontage road left lane between Bulverde Road and Redland Road for embankment work.
• Thursday, January 2 until Sunday, January 12. Nightly 9 p.m. until 5 a.m. Alternating eastbound mainlanes between Redland Road and Green Mountain Road (including Redland and Green Mountain exit ramps) for pavement repair work.

Loop 1604 – Northwest San Antonio

• None scheduled.

US 281 – North Central San Antonio

• None scheduled.

I-10 – Northwest San Antonio/Bexar County/Kendall County/Kerr County

• Sunday, January 5 until Friday, January 10. Nightly 9 p.m. until 5 a.m. Alternating mainlanes in both directions between Scenic Loop Road and SH 46 for moving barrier and pavement marking work.
• Sunday, January 12 until Friday, January 17. Alternating mainlanes in both directions between Scenic Loop Road and SH 46 for moving barrier and pavement marking work.

I-10 – Far East San Antonio/Bexar County/Seguin/Guadalupe County

• Current until further notice. Eastbound entrance ramp from FM 1516. DETOUR: Take next entrance ramp east of Loop 1604.
• Current until further notice. Eastbound Ackerman Road exit ramp will be closed through January 2020. DETOUR: Eastbound I-10 and southbound I-410 traffic needing to access Ackerman Road must take southbound I-410, exit at FM 1346/E. Houston St., turn around, and take the northbound frontage road to Ackerman Road.

I-10 – Central/South San Antonio

• None scheduled.

I-35 – Central San Antonio/Northeast San Antonio/New Braunfels/Comal County

• City of San Antonio/CPS Energy closure. Monday, January 6. 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. Northbound right mainlane at Somerset Road for pole work.

I-410 – West San Antonio

• Monday, December 30 until Friday, January 3. Daily 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The right northbound frontage road lane between Marbach Road to Meadow Leaf Drive for installing an electric service pole.
• Monday, December 30 until Friday, January 10. Daily 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Alternating frontage road lanes in both directions between SH 151 to Ingram Road for illumination work.
• Friday, January 3 until Monday, January 6. Nightly 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. All lanes in both directions at Marbach Road for setting beams. DETOUR: Traffic traveling west on Marbach Road will be detoured to the northbound frontage road and turnaround at SH 151 to access southbound I-410 frontage road. Traffic traveling east on Marbach Road will be detoured to the southbound frontage road and utilize the east and northbound cloverleafs to access the I-410 northbound frontage road.
• Friday, January 3 until Friday, January 10. Nightly 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. All southbound mainlanes between the exit and entrance ramp at Marbach Road for setting beams. The south/westbound connector will also be closed. DETOUR: Traffic will be detoured to the frontage road,
• Friday, January 10 until Monday, January 13. Nightly 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. All northbound mainlanes between SH 151 exit ramp to entrance ramp after Culebra Road for restripe work for traffic switch. DETOUR: Traffic will exit at SH 151 and reenter after Culebra Road.

US 90 – West San Antonio

• None scheduled.

SH 16 – Bandera Road

• Monday, January 6 until Friday, January 10. Daily 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Southbound right lane between Legend Trail and Loop 1604 for guard rail work.

FM 3351 – Ralph Fair Road

• None scheduled.

PA 1502 – Wurzbach Parkway

• City of San Antonio closure for Hardberger Park landbridge. Thursday, January 2 until Friday, January 3. 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.. Right lane in both directions between NW Military Highway and FM 2696 (Blanco Road) for truck/equipment access.

FM 1516 – South Seguin Road/Converse

• Monday, January 6 until Tuesday, January 7. 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Full closure in both directions under I-10 for bridge work. DETOUR: Southbound FM 1516 traffic will take the westbound I-10 frontage road and turn around at Foster Road. Northbound FM 1516 traffic will take the eastbound I-10 frontage road and turn around at Loop 1604.

SH 218 – Pat Booker Road

• None scheduled.

FM 1976 – Walzem Road/Gibbs Sprawl Road

• Current until further notice. Daily 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Alternating southbound lanes between Woodlake Parkway and Gibbs Sprawl Road for barrier/pavement work (existing seven total lanes narrowed to three, with one in each direction and a two-way turn lane in the middle).

Loop 353 – New Laredo Highway

• None scheduled.

Other Roads – Bexar County

• Tuesday, January 5 until Thursday, January 9. Daily 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. All lanes of Boerne Stage Road in both directions at I-10 for concrete panel placement work on the expanded Boerne Stage Road bridge.

SH 46 – Boerne/Kendall County

• Current until further notice. 9 p.m. until 5 a.m. Eastbound left lane from East Sharon Drive to Charger Boulevard for traffic switch (drivers diverted to the right side for construction access on the right side; left turn lane remains open).

FM 1376 -- Sisterdale Road/Kendall County

• Monday, December 30 until Friday, January 3. Alternating lanes in both directions between Indian Knoll Road and US 87 for culvert work.

FM 537 -- Wilson County

• Wednesday, January 8 until September 25. Long-term full closure in both directions between FM 1922 and SH 123 for reconstruction of Cibolo Creek bridge.

SH 16 – McMullen County

• Monday, January 6 until Friday, January 10. Daily 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Alternating southbound lanes between FM 1962 and McMullen/Duval county line (mile markers 686-700) for barrier and excavation work.

Loop 337 Expansion: Traffic Switch & New Exit Ramp

We're making great progress on the largest-scale construction project we currently have going in Comal County!

Talking about the Loop 337 expansion, which will widen it from two lanes to a four-lane divided highway. 

Tomorrow afternoon (Tuesday, May 21), southbound traffic will be shifted to newly constructed southbound lanes between Hanz Drive and Rock Street, weather permitting. Crews will also re-open the newly-constructed exit ramp at Gruene Road.

To safely implement the traffic shift, drivers entering Loop 337 from River Terrace and Hanz Drive will be allowed to make right turns only. This is a permanent intersection change at River Terrace. At the end of this phase of construction, Hanz Drive will open as a traditional signalized intersection, allowing left turns.

Message signs are in place to inform drivers of this change and additional signage will be placed to help guide drivers safely travel along the roadway.

We ask the traveling public to follow construction signage and remain aware when driving through the work zone. As always, weather may impact the timing of these closures. We appreciate your patience and understanding as crews work to improve safety and mobility in the area.

Construction for the Loop 337 Expansion project began in November 2017 and is anticipated to be completed in late 2021.

The construction project is about six miles long, from I-35 to Hillcrest Drive. It includes an upgrade to a 4-lane divided roadway with pedestrian accommodations and new bridges in various locations.

This is the latest milestone on this project. Previously, we put in a place a mile-long southbound traffic switch, diverting traffic to the new lanes between River Road and SH 46.

I-35 Mainlanes at FM 1103 to Close for Bridge Demolition

The Texas Department of Transportation will close the I-35 mainlanes to north and southbound traffic from 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 14, until 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 15 to demolish the bridge at FM 1103. I-35 northbound traffic will exit to the frontage road at FM 1103. Traffic will remain on the frontage road through FM 1103 and re-enter the highway. I-35 southbound traffic will exit to the frontage road at FM 1103 and re-enter the highway at the entrance ramp past FM 1103.

The new portion of the FM 1103 bridge will be open to westbound traffic only, once demolition of the old bridge is complete. Eastbound traffic will need to travel south to FM 2252, and U-turn to FM 1103. The eastbound portion of the bridge will be complete by spring 2019. 

Road signs have been placed to alert drivers of the upcoming closure. TxDOT asks the traveling public to adhere to construction signage and remain aware when traveling through the work zone. 

The $7.2 million project consists of expanding the FM 1103 bridge over I-35 to five lanes, plus U-turn bridges and will be complete in summer 2019.

A look ahead to next weekend

We do not have any major construction closures this coming weekend due to the 4th of July. However, we do have a few major FULL main lane closures next weekend that can impact travelers:

I-35 at FM 1103 in Schertz
Starting at 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 14, I-35 both north and southbound will be closed to demolish the existing FM 1103 bridge structure. Demolition of the bridge is expected to be complete by late Sunday morning with cleanup and restoration to original main lane configuration by 3 p.m. Sunday afternoon.
Detours:
I-35 Northbound

Traffic will exit I-35 northbound main lane traffic to the frontage road at FM 1103. Traffic to remain on frontage road thru FM 1103. The entrance ramp from FM 1103 to I-35 northbound will be open to traffic.

I-35 Southbound 

Traffic will exit I-35 southbound main lanes to the frontage road at FM 1103 and enter I-35 southbound at the entrance ramp past FM 1103. 

The new FM 1103 portion of the bridge will be open to traffic for westbound traffic only once demolition of the old bridge is complete.

Redland Road at US 281
This full closure will be necessary to construct the Redland Road intersection. Work includes installation of drainage structures, removal of some existing utility, new base and asphalt pavement. Also, temporary pavement will be constructed to tie-in to existing travel lanes.
Work is scheduled to take place in two weekends:

• From Saturday, July 14, 2018, at 3 a.m. to Monday, July 16, 2018, at 5 a.m. 
• From Saturday, July 21, 2018, at 3 a.m. to Monday, July 23, 2018, at 5 a.m. 

During the execution of this work, full closures will be required as follows:
Full Closure of eastbound and westbound Redland Road at the approach of US 281 – Public to detour by using Ridgewood Parkway and Sonterra Boulevard.

During this closure, traffic will be detoured to allow workers full access to the roadway to allow them to work quickly and uninterrupted. Complete closure of the roadway can result in increased productivity, reduced construction time, reduced impact to traffic, increased safety for both traveling public & workers, and in some cases a cost saving. Off-duty police will be used to assist with traffic control. Work is weather permitting.
You can receive information on lane closures straight to your e-mail inbox by registering here http://eepurl.com/cXz2kr.

I-10 at Dominion Drive
Crews will close the eastbound main lanes of I-10 between Boerne Stage Road and Camp Bullis Road Saturday, July 14 at 3 a.m. until 5 a.m. Sunday, July 15 to continue work that was previously done this past weekend. The underpass at Dominion Drive and entrance ramps will also be closed. DETOUR for I-10: Eastbound main lane traffic will exit at Dominion Drive and enter highway at Camp Bullis Road. DETOUR for Dominion Drive: Westbound traffic will detour at Boerne Stage Road and eastbound traffic will detour at Camp Bullis Road.

Major closure(s) on I-35 this weekend

Initially this was set to be an overnight closure for next week we would've simply published in our closures report and move along. Yesterday afternoon our contractor, Anderson Columbia, got administrative approval to move the date up considerably.

The closure

All main lanes will close, one side at a time, at FM 1103 in Schertz while crews set bridge support beams overhead. Traffic will exit FM 1103, pass through the intersection and re-enter the highway at the next available ramp. No traffic will be permitted on the FM 1103 bridge during this closure.
When we say this closure will be one side at a time that means we'll only have one direction closed at once. Saturday night, starting at 9 p.m., we'll close the northbound main lanes. Southbound lanes will function normally. The main lanes will reopen by 5 a.m. Sunday.
Sunday night, starting at 9 p.m., we'll close the southbound side and have it reopened by 5 a.m. Monday. During this closure the northbound side will operate normally.
By the way we'll have trucks hauling those bridge support beams parked along the frontage roads during the day, so keep an eye out for that.

The good news
Daytime traffic will be relatively unaffected, unless you're traveling in the wee morning hours before dawn.

The rough news

This isn't the only major closure on I-35 in the area. Our folks in Austin will be shutting down all lanes of I-35 Friday night and Saturday night at William Cannon Drive in south Austin. That closure will run from 11 p.m. and about 10 a.m. each night. This will facilitate bridge demolition work for an expansion project they've got up that way.
They've also got an overnight closure at FM 3406 in Round Rock. That one will close northbound I-35 Friday at 10 p.m. (the lanes will reopen by 8 a.m. Saturday) and the southbound lanes Saturday at 10 p.m. (again, they'll reopen by 8 a.m. Sunday). This is so crews can set bridge beams, just like our closure.

Why the time change
The work in Austin was pre-planned for this weekend and coordinated up thataway. Our closure in Schertz was initially set for next week but pushed up due to inclement weather forecasts for next week.
Normally we require two weeks' notice from the contractor for any major closure so we can get things published well in advance. This requirement was set aside so we could move forward without adding delay to the project (planning for next weekend isn't possible; we prohibit major closures over Easter weekend).
This was only permitted because the closure will effectively impact overnight traffic only, avoiding impacts for long durations or during critical traffic hours. It will not be the new norm.

Two major closures this weekend

We've got TWO major closures scheduled for this weekend. These posts typically publish much sooner - our apologies for the delay. We'll get into why in a moment. First, the closures:

I-10 at Fair Oaks Parkway
Starting Friday (8 September) at 9 p.m. all main lanes of I-10 will close at Fair Oaks Parkway while RELMCo, Inc., demolishes the old Fair Oaks Parkway overpass bridge. We'll have everything opened up by 5 a.m. Monday (11 September).
This closure will follow the same structure we've used in previous closures, with one-way traffic through the intersection and cross traffic on the bridge shut down. While we've been able to keep traffic moving pretty well during these closures drivers should still expect delays. The biggest impacts, as the last few runs of this closure, will be on those using Fair Oaks Parkway or Tarpon Drive - if that's where you will be driving you may want to find some alternate routes.

Some bridge support structures for the new Fair Oaks Pkwy

overpass have already been built.

Previous closures finished fairly quickly - way ahead of projected schedules. Do not expect that this weekend. Bridge demolition requires quite a bit of work taking a lot of extra time. We have to protect the road surface under the bridge we're tearing out, which is usually done by dumping piles of dirt or sand to form a bed. After the bridge is cut and broken apart the chunks of steel and concrete to a disposal site. Once the old bridge is completely cleared away the dirt cushion will scooped up and swept to return the main lanes of I-10 to action.
If that sounds like it's really involved, well, it is.
With the old bridge out of the way RELMCo will continue to build up the support structure for the new bridge, which will connect Tarpon Drive and Fair Oaks Parkway directly. Some of those supports are already in place.
The next major closure of I-10 at this location will come when RELMCo is ready to set bridge beams across the highway. That, too, will require a weekend for work; we'll have it posted when scheduled.

I-35 at New Braunfels Avenue
Starting Friday (8 September) at 9 p.m. all main lanes of I-35 will close at New Braunfels Avenue near Fort Sam Houston while CRG demolishes the old New Braunfels Avenue overpass bridge. We'll have everything opened up by 5 a.m. Monday (11 September). We had this closure planned for August but were forced to postpone work for a number of reasons.

This is a closure we've done in the past - the last time we interrupted work to accommodate traffic to the AT&T Center during the San Antonio Spurs' playoff run - and it's gone fairly well. To be clear: this one will hang up traffic quite a bit. I-35 is one of the most-traveled roads in all San Antonio with more than 170,000 daily trips through this corridor on average. We'll have cross traffic at New Braunfels Avenue closed as we've done in the past. We'll have the same detours in place, with traffic crossing I-35 being pushed to Walters Street to reach its destination.
Like the demolition of the Fair Oaks Parkway bridge, this closure should last the entire weekend. CRG will lay down a dirt bed before breaking apart the old bridge. Once the scraps are hauled out and the dirt bed is swept up and cleaned traffic will be running again as normal.
The big difference at this location is what traffic will do when things are finished Monday morning. Traffic at Fair Oaks Parkway is already using a temporary solution of the turnaround bridge as a normal bridge. At New Braunfels Avenue traffic will be shifted onto the new bridge half that's being finished up over the weekend.
Like the I-10 work, we should still have a few full closures ahead to set bridge beams, deck panels and to pour concrete. Most of those (at least not setting bridge beams) will be done overnight when needed. Those will be posted in our weekly closures report.

Why not post sooner?
Both closures had been planned for August. We even got to do the first of what was to be consecutive weekends with closures on I-10. Both closures were postponed for a few reasons, then got pushed again when Texas was hit by Hurricane Harvey. There was potential of pushing these closures again due to traffic issues associated with Harvey relief efforts, but traffic volumes have begun to decrease for that work and our administrative team agreed the time to move forward with our projects has come.
That decision was made today - we didn't want to post again on these closures with the chance they'd be pushed back. Again.

Major I-35 closure next weekend

UPDATE: Closure on I-35 scheduled for August 25-28 has been cancelled as of August 22. Closure on I-10 is still scheduled.


If you haven't heard by now, we have major closures of I-10 at Fair Oaks Parkway planned this weekend and next weekend. We just got word from our field staff of another closure you'll want to know about.

When
Friday, August 25 at 9 p.m. until Monday, August 28 at 5 a.m.

Where
I-35 main lanes at New Braunfels Avenue on the east side of San Antonio. Also, the New Braunfels Avenue overpass at I-35.

What
We're closing the main lanes of I-35 while crews demolish the old New Braunfels Avenue overpass. Traffic will exit New Braunfels Avenue, move through the intersection and re-enter the highway at the first available ramp. Off-duty officers will help move traffic through the New Braunfels Avenue intersection.

We are also closing the New Braunfels Avenue overpass. Traffic on New Braunfels Avenue will have right-in, right-out only access during this weekend's closure. Those hoping to cross over I-35 should do so at Walters or Pine to do so.

Why
This closure enables crews to safely demolish the old bridge, which we are replacing with this project. Any time we do work like this overhead we close the road so we don't risk catastrophe with people underneath. In this case the bridge will be demolished and pieces of the bridge will be falling onto the road beneath.

Don't worry about that road, though. Before we start the demolition crews will spread a thick bed of sand or dirt on the road to cushion the fall of debris and ensure the road is protected. After the debris is cleared away that dirt bed will be scooped and swept up. Once the work is finished and the main lanes of the highway are deemed safe we will open things up.
And no, we won't use dynamite like crews did up in Marble Falls a couple of years ago. Our guys will be using excavators mounted with hydraulic jackhammers. Not super exciting or as fun to watch as the Marble Falls bridge demo was, but it gets the job done.

Worth noting
This is one of two bridge demolitions occurring in the San Antonio area during the weekend of August 25-28. As we pointed out to begin this post, the other will be on I-10 at Fair Oaks Parkway.

Mail Bag: I-10, ramp speed limits, traffic shifts, future plans

Are there any plans to move the northbound Watson Ln/Old Bastrop Rd exit further south? It is difficult to see vehicles exiting onto the frontage road when trying to turn from Watson Ln East onto the access road. It seems like moving it a half to 3/4 miles south allow more room for error. I don't if dodging traffic is the cause but the guard rail on the corner of Watson Ln East & the frontage road seems to get damaged fairly often. Maybe vehicles are just coming off the exit too fast and can't make the almost immediate right turn onto Watson Ln East.
- Bob
Right now, Bob, we don't have any such plans on our list of projects. That's not to say this can't be something that gets added. Stuff like this can become a priority by pushing it through the Alamo Area MPO - a group that kind of tells us where to spend our money in the region (allowing for local-level decisions rather than state-level decisions). We'll forward the comment to our internal planners and our area office in New Braunfels as well to see if we can at least keep the area on our radar.

Will you clarify how drivers determine the speed limit on flyovers, such as the Bandera Road connector to Loop 410 and the Loop 1604 connector to Highway 151? Do we follow the speed posted on the "Exit 45 mph" sign the entire distance of the flyover, or can we accelerate to highway speed once we get into the flyover? The Bandera Road connector has no signs along the way (except the "Exit 45 mph" at the entrance). I think the 151-1604 connector might actually have a speed limit sign at the entrance - but I'm still a little unclear if that applies to the entire distance. I try to stay around 50 mph on the Bandera connector, but people ride my bumper like crazy.
- Angela
Great question, Angela. There are two types of speed limits - regulatory speeds and advisory speeds. Those yellow signs with speed limits posted are advisory speeds - meaning they're a recommended speed to maintain safety on the ramp.
According to our Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices (section 2c.14) these yellow advisory speeds are placed at locations to allow you to appropriately slow down as your exiting the highway. Once you're on the ramp, we won't place additional yellow advisory speed signs unless there's a change in the "horizontal alignment". That's engineer speak for "if the road curves".
Ultimately, those advisory speeds are there to help you remain safe as you drive. We would all do well to remember it's not about getting to our destinations fastest, but about getting to our destinations the safest.
Once nearing the end of these ramps drivers should begin safe merging practices by speeding up to the normal speed of the traffic with which they're merging and continue along their way.
We hope that helps!

What does right-in, right-out mean? If I'm coming down I-10E, how do I get into Fair Oaks Ranch? If I'm in FOR, how do I get to I-10E?
- Al
For everyone else: Al asked this a few weeks ago, prior to our first major closure of I-10 at Fair Oaks Parkway.
Right-in, right-out configurations happen when access to or from a side road is right-turn only. Here's a look at an easy engineer's drawing from our manuals:

I have a question. A few years ago I-10 was under construction to make the exit and bridge for the Dominion folks - because they are the rich ones, I guess. Now we are under construction again - for WHAT? There needs to be 3 lanes going in each direction from the Rim to Fair Oaks if not all the way to Boerne. The big trucks need to stay out of the left lane - they are dangerous! Why wasn't this done in the first place instead of tearing up the highway twice and spending extra money? And are we getting 3 lanes going east and west?
- Linda
Lots of issues to address here, Linda, but we'll try and stick to the basic question we think you're asking. We think you are really wanting to know when you're getting additional lanes to I-10 between Loop 1604 and Boerne.
The shortest answer is we'll be adding those much-needed extra lanes in segments. The first segment will be between La Cantera Parkway and Ralph Fair Road. Work on that project is set to begin early fall (August/September) this year and will take about three years to build. More information on the project may be found here.
As to the issue of why we didn't do it in the first place, when we re-did the overpass at Dominion Drive? Simply put: money and permission. We didn't have all our documents ready at the time to do an expansion like this, and we didn't have the money to do more. We're sorry we couldn't do more at the time and we're excited the Texas Clear Lanes initiative has enabled us to appropriately prioritize this project now.

Hwy 151 in San Antonio - I saw the notification sign this morning that the eastbound entrance ramp to 151 at Hunt Lane will be closed 18 July. Will this be a one day closure, or long term? Also, what time will the closure begin?
- ebargainer
This is a temporary closure and will last only a couple of days to allow crews to widen the ramp. Closure info is posted weekly here.

Will we have 151 run all the way to Talley Road in the near future? And are you doing any construction Talley Road soon?
- Janie
In theory, Janie, yes! Well, sort of. The extension of Alamo Ranch Parkway further east is up to the private developers continuing to build in that area. Development of Talley Road is up to Bexar County Public Works and is on their to-do list. They'll have a better idea as to the timeframe and other details of what's going on.
The real question, then, is whether Alamo Ranch Parkway will ever be converted to Hwy 151. Right now the answer is "no", but you never know what'll happen in 10 years.

There's a sign at Military Drive and 1604 in NW SA that warns of a "traffic switch" on 7-12-2017. No info seems to be available as to what a "traffic switch" entails or what time this will be happening.
- Kim
Kim, there's no excuse. We simply dropped the ball on getting word on this out. We have info out there now, which was published Saturday. Check out all the details here.

Weather pushed this a few days....

We had in last week's closures list a full closure of Southbound I-35 at New Braunfels Avenue set for Tuesday and Wednesday nights this week. Because of weather the work didn't happen those nights. Project staff confirmed this morning the closures have been moved to tonight and tomorrow night, with activities beginning at 8 p.m.
Here is the new closure information:

• Thursday-Saturday, 8 p.m. until 5 a.m. nightly. Southbound main lanes at New Braunfels Avenue. All lanes will close while crews do overhead bridge work. Traffic will exit New Braunfels Avenue, continue along the frontage road and re-enter the highway at the next available ramp.
• Thursday-Saturday, 8 p.m. until 5 a.m. nightly. New Braunfels Avenue, both directions, at I-35. All lanes will close while crews do bridge work on the New Braunfels Avenue overpass. Traffic will turn right onto the frontage road and turn around to reach its destination.

Drivers should plan their overnight travel accordingly.

Mail Bag: Insurance claims, future plans on a few corridors and more

A quick slog of questions for you this week ... as a reminder, we only take a look at emails submitted through the blog every week or two. If you have a more pressing question regarding an issue right away, reach out to us directly.

I see you have been getting a lot of questions lately about redesigning ramps because drivers aren't paying attention and smash guardrails on a frequent basis. Does TxDOT have the power to bill the at fault party or their insurance for this damage? I am not one for government regulation but if this law isn't on the books it should be. Drivers that cause this damage should be responsible for paying for it.
- Zane
The short answer, Zane, is yes. When part of our highway system is damaged - guardrail, a signal pole or control cabinet, light pole, crash cushion, whatever - we file a claim against the drivers' insurance. In that, we run the same gamble any driver does the driver may or may not be insured, and insurance companies must determine fault ... but we do go through the claims process on each collision causing damage to our road system.

Congestion on I-35 between new Braunfels and San Antonio has been steadily increasing, particularly during summers, spring breaks, weekends, and holidays. The slowdowns seem to be near key exits, such as Solms Road (southbound) and FM 1103 (northbound). Are there any plans for congestion relief in this area, such as additional lanes?
- JohnThe short answer is we always have a plan for expansion, but that doesn't really do us any good here. We have a number of ideas to help, each tailored to a different budget level. Operational improvements, like ramp revisions that put the congestion onto frontage roads rather than on the main lanes, can help as a relatively inexpensive ($150 million to do the whole corridor) stop-gap option. We're working on plans to do that, but you'll likely see work happen in bite-sized pieces as money becomes available.
As far as expanded capacity ... the big plan is to nearly double capacity between New Braunfels and downtown San Antonio. This effort would cost more than $2 billion, and we've simply not identified viable funding sources yet. These new lanes would be elevated, making I-35 a two-level highway that whole stretch.
Why not an in-between? Because, honestly, we don't have much room to grow out there. The topography and alignment of lanes is such that we just don't have anywhere to build a bunch of new lanes.
Efforts to make these plans - and see them through - are going through the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization.

Will the exit and entrance ramps for FM 1103 be changed as part of the proposed bridge project? At the public meeting TxDOT representatives described moving them back further and creating a new exit-entrance ramp alignment.
- Randy
We do have plans to move those ramps ... but that won't be happening with the current $7.2 million bridge replacement project starting in a few weeks (note the expansion of FM 1103 itself isn't happening until 2019). As we said to John above the operational improvements are being planned now as work for later on, probably after 2020. We'll prioritize intersections to be improved, and there's little doubt FM 1103 will be near the top of our list.

When will the Loop 410 at SH 151 project be done enough to reopen the Leon Creek Greenway under 410?
- Mica
Williams Brothers is currently saying we should have the greenway back open by the end of summer. Weather has been a tough challenge with the bridge structures we're working on over Leon Creek and we're trying to find ways to recover some of our time there.


Are all the frontage roads between San Antonio and Fair Oaks (or Scenic Loop Road) going to be one direction when the construction is all said and done? Will Boerne Stage Road and/or Dominion Drive get dedicated exits if you are eastbound on I-10 (coming from Kerrville, for example)?
- TimYou got it, Tim! We're trying to convert all the frontage roads in the urbanized area to one-way, so when we're all said and done all those frontage roads will indeed be one-way. Heck, we're not done yet, either. We have plans to continue what we're doing all the way out to Boerne ... but it'll be a few years before we get that far out.
Eastbound traffic will have a dedicated exit to Dominion Drive where the old on-ramp was - it was opened up a couple of weeks ago (Tim wrote us last month). We don't have room to get one in there for Boerne Stage Road, though. That traffic will continue to use the Ralph Fair exit or use the Dominion Drive exit and turn around.

On the March 27th update on Old Fredericksburg Road, there was a link that showed a picture of an entrance ramp from the access road to west bound I-10 between Old Frederickburg Road and Fair Oaks Parkway. However, a highway exit ramp has been built where the picture shows the entrance ramp was going to be. Is that going to be permanent or will that ramp be replaced at a later time?
- John
I see on the schematic between Old Fredericksburg Road and Fair Oaks Parkway there is an onramp before FOP. Currently, an exit ramp has been built here which has not yet opened. Is the exit ramp temporary? Can you confirm what the final configuration will be, on or off ramp?
- JudyTo be honest our communications team had the same question when we took a look at it in the field as well. We're glad you all asked.
The ramps you see built are temporary ramps for detours that will be used when we have to shut down I-10 at Fair Oaks Parkway - weekend closures only, mind you - to set bridge beams or demolish the old bridge. Those ramps allow traffic to exit onto the frontage road, continue through the FOP intersection and re-enter the highway with minimal impact.
Once those closures are all done, we'll demolish the temporary ramps and the new ramps will be built (remember: we won't be converting the frontage roads to one-way between Old Fred and Fair Oaks until the new bridge is in action with a turnaround).
We don't have dates for the first of these closures (we anticipate ten full closures of I-10 before we're all finished, between now and the end of next year), but as soon as we do we'll shout them from the mountain tops.

Alamo Ranch Parkway currently loops around around Del Webb Blvd area. Is there future expansion to have Alamo Ranch parkway to run into Tally Road or beyond to (future) Highway 211?
- DeepThe short answer: yes, the master plan shows for Alamo Ranch Parkway to run beyond to a future Highway 211. That won't be built by TxDOT, though (ARP isn't a TxDOT road). The extension will be built by private developers as it's been built to date.
As for Hwy 211 ... we're working with Bexar County on that one. We're still working with the US Fish and Wildlife Service to identify an appropriate footprint for the extension. We don't have a timeframe for when an opinion from USFWS is available; we expected to have something from them about four months ago and are still waiting.


On westbound Hwy 90 at FM 211, is anything going to be done about the dangers of the residents at The Mansions apartment complex entering a 70 mph highway? Someone needs to remind them that the shoulder is not an acceleration lane.
As I drive Hwy 90 daily and need to exit FM 211 I continually see residents leaving the complex and driving the shoulder at a slow rate of speed while highway drivers have to slam on the brakes not to hit them. Someone needs to remind them the shoulder is not a driving lane. It's a poor location choice for a giant apartment complex and understandably they have a difficult time leaving, but I shouldn't be in danger because they can't figure out how to enter the highway legally.
- garmel23
Actually, Garmel123, this behavior is perfectly legal and the residents of The Mansions should be praised for opting to use an improved shoulder - particularly one as large as what they have at this location - rather than jump right into active traffic and making a bigger issue. For clarification on the legality of this maneuver, you can see Texas Code 545.058, or simply read what the Texas Highwayman has on the topic.
We do understand the location is difficult for drivers. However, we are required to allow ingress and egress into a property here (the property is not connected to another road). The proximity of the driveway to the exit ramp to Hwy 211 would probably make an acceleration lane equally flustering for folks sharing your commute path.
However, in the long run, the problem will be solved when we extend frontage roads on US 90 beyond Loop 1604 through to Hwy 211. This would be done as part of a $90 million project that's penciled in to begin around 2023 and expands US 90 to a six-lane highway (adds one lane each way) between Hwy 211 and I-410.

What is the story with the resurfacing project on US 281 between Loop 410 and I-35? They look like they still need to finish a few lanes, in a few spots. Another project between 410 and Rhapsody already finished in just a few weeks.
- ScottThe scale of work is very different, with more in-depth work between I-35 and I-410. What's more, there is a lot more roadway between I-35 and I-410 than between I-410 and Rhapsody, and the work between I-410 and Rhapsody isn't actually wrapped up yet.

Why is SB I-35 down to two lanes in New Braunfels?

This morning crews had southbound I-35 limited to two lanes between Seguin Avenue and Schmidt Ave in New Braunfels - this is something that will persist until mid-May.
So ... what the heck?
This is the second of three milestones in a project to repair and, in some cases, rebuild portions of I-35 folks have complained of crumbling on. In particular we're addressing some issues as the asphalt meets the concrete of the overpass bridges. The work there is pretty intense and just couldn't be done properly by doing overnight operations only.
We are doing some overnight-only repairs as well ... which is why you'll see alternating lanes of northbound I-35 close each night on the northbound side this week and next.
The good news: we're only going to have this disruption in place for three weeks. If weather and equipment cooperate, that could be a little sooner - this is a milestone, after all, which means we've got a financial incentive for Angel Brothers to get those two lanes reopened as quickly as they can (and it'll cost them money if they go longer than the three weeks).
We'll have one more milestone like this associated with the work we're doing, but this one is by far the most noticeable for drivers. Stay patient with us and we'll get things back to normal - with a better ride quality! - pretty darned soon.

Some full roadway closures coming up soon

We have three major closures - full closures, in fact - that missed Friday's lane closures post. We'll work through them chronologically.


Potranco Road
Tuesday-Friday, March 28-31. 9 p.m. until 5 a.m. nightly. All lanes of Potranco Road will close between Empressario and American Lotus while crews place concrete bridge beams at the Medio Creek Bridge. Traffic will use Grosenbacher and Military Drive to reach its destination.
This work is being done by crews working on behalf of Bexar County Public Works as they expand Potranco Road between Loop 1604 and Hwy 211.


I-35 - New Braunfels
Tuesday, March 28. 8 p.m. until 10 p.m. Northbound frontage road between Schmidt and Walnut avenues. The left lane will close while crews move barrier.
Tuesday, March 28. 9 p.m. until 11 p.m. Northbound main lanes between Schmidt and Walnut avenues. The right two lanes will close while crews move barrier.
Tuesday-Thursday, March 28-30. 11 p.m. until 6 a.m. Northbound main lanes between Schmidt and Walnut avenues. All lanes will close while crews move barrier and restripe the road. Traffic will exit Walnut Ave, continue through the intersection and use the next available ramp to re-enter the highway.
This work means Angel Brothers Construction has finished early that milestone reducing the northbound main lanes by one lane. Come Thursday morning - four days faster than promised - we'll have traffic back to full capacity.
Those who remember our earlier post on this work know we're going to turn around and do something similar on the southbound side right there at Walnut Avenue. We do not currently have that work scheduled, though we do expect it to start early in April - most likely on a Sunday night. That, too, will be a three-week milestone with the main lanes reduced around-the-clock to allow for road restoration.


I-35 SAMMC
You know that old southbound connector to I-410 that's being used right now? And how we've got a new connector that's been sitting - unused - for about a year?
Well, we're ready to let you use the new one. That means we're also demolishing the old one. Here's how it impacts traffic:
Thursday-Friday, April 6-7. 9 p.m. until 5 a.m. Southbound main lanes between Rittiman Road and George Beach. Alternating lanes will close while crews switch traffic onto the new connector ramp. Traffic headed to I-410 will exit George Beach and turn around, then approach from the northbound frontage road.
Friday, April 7 at 9 p.m. until Monday, April 10 at 5 a.m. Main lanes, both directions, between Rittiman Road and George Beach will close while crews demolish the old bridge. Traffic in both directions will exit the highway and follow frontage roads to the next available ramp to reach its destination. Please note we will have all lanes reopened between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. Saturday night for a "Spurs Break".
That's right - the "Spurs Break" is back. While it attracted some small criticism (where else would a state highway department plan work completely around a basketball game?), it worked very well the last time we did this. Because of that success, we're bringing it back. Saturday night the Spurs play the Clippers, and while that's happening we won't be doing any demo work. As soon as the Silver and Black secure the win, though, we'll be back to work.

Mail Bag: I-10 stuff, FM 1103, US 281 and more

Part two, as promised....

Regarding the ARP/WWL intersection, I know TxDOT San Antonio has received a lot of complaints about this project. I really don't have a complaint, but a suggestion. I have noticed a lack of signage directing traffic on the SB 1604 Access road to the Santiko's entrance off of the SB 1604 Access Road. The only sign is a small one liner next to the entrance. I would suggest that TxDOT place directional signage prior to Alamo Ranch Parkway to direct SB 1604 traffic to the 1604 Santiko's entrance. This may help alleviate some of the illegal left-hand turns that are occurring at the ARP/WWL intersection.
- Benjamin
You're right, Benjamin, we have gotten a lot of feedback about this intersection. We'll be making a brief post on the intersection in the next week or so.
In the meantime, you've asked a pretty common question - why not sign for Santikos off the southbound frontage road of Loop 1604? The short answer: we can't.
That little sign you're seeing was put up by Santikos. We are aware of its existence, and we're tolerating it for now. We can't put bigger signs up, and we can't direct traffic to a specific business. That's all called advertising, and TxDOT is not in the business of advertising private businesses on our right-of-way.
Santikos is welcome to do what they can to elevate the awareness of that entrance among their patrons through advertising - but cannot advertise in our right-of-way.

Why no closure info this week? Specifically looking for info on US90 Gen McMullen closure.
- Dave
Dave sent this note in to us a few weeks ago, for those wondering what he's talking about.
Dave, we're sorry we missed that post! The blog is run by a very small staff, and when we're out of the office we don't get a chance to post some of that info. The closures are sent to us by project staff and are due to communications staff by Friday at noon. That doesn't always happen. The result: we are unable to pre-load a post for next week's closures beyond getting it put together on Friday afternoons.
When we're gone on Fridays, we do what we can to get the post up as soon as we can. For instance: this week's closures were sent to media Friday early afternoon but not posted until earlier today.
We're sorry!

Y'all recently did repair work in the area of mile marker 194 on I-35 southbound. The outside lane has a section of repair that does not look like it was completed or was completed poorly. It has a rut in it that can catch a driver off guard and move a small vehicle especially, to the right unexpectedly. I drive the area everyday in a small car. Even knowing it's there it can be disturbing when I can't change lanes.
- Bob
We're still working on the rehab of the asphalt out there in that area, so we'll make sure that area gets an extra look for you, Bob. Hopefully we can address the pavement issue soon.

Do you have any updates on the FM 1103 project in Schertz & Cibolo? I have not seen the plans since the open house about a year ago. Will the bridge at I-35 get turnarounds? It would be great to see something nice similar to what TxDOT Austin did at Yarrington Road in Kyle. I like what they did, but there are a lot of busy exits that do not have turnarounds like that!
- John
For starters we're eyeing mid-2019 to get bids on the expansion of FM 1103 between I-35 and Rodeo Way. Those who missed the open house can see what we talked about online here. Heck, we've even got a summary and analysis of our public meeting there.
The quick answer to where things are at: we're busy in the right-of-way acquisition process. This can take a while, and we want to be sure it's all done before we bid the contract. Between now and then we'll make adjustments to the project as needed, but it looks like the bulk of the design presented at the open house will be what you see.
As for the bridge ... that's not part of the existing project. We'll get to that bridge reconstruction in the near future, but it's not currently included in the FM 1103 expansion. We have it on our radar, though, and as soon as we can afford to make it happen we will.


Has there been any studies on the traffic signals on UTSA Blvd and I-10 recently? Almost constantly, those turning left from the bridge of UTSA Blvd overpass towards the eastbound side will continue to keep turning for up to 15 seconds longer than the light allows. I've been at the intersection several times where I'll sit on a green for at least 20 seconds before even starting my accelerator (and the one time I didn't, I ended up in an accident). What can or should be done in this area?
- ReySounds to us, Rey, like you've got a law enforcement issue going on. Have you reached out to SAPD on this matter? Any time someone is running a light that would be a moving violation. To have them continue more than 20 seconds means your green time is completely shot (green lights at intersections like this typically only remain green 20 seconds or so). If that's what's happening, you've got a major law enforcement issue that needs addressed by law enforcement.


Now that the TTC has accepted the bid from Webber Construction for the expansion of US 281 north of Loop 1604 , when will we know more about the construction schedule including road closures and traffic diversions to the new frontage roads?
- Tom
We're planning to hold a groundbreaking ceremony March 31. We won't have details of closures until a few weeks prior to work actually beginning, which looks to be by early May. We'll post more about the overall project in an upcoming post.

Can you post a project summary of the expansion of FM 1957 (Potranco) from 1604 to 211? Specifically looking for an overall project plan and anticipated schedule. Thank you (we just moved into the area and want to know what to expect and when).
- Steve
Welcome, Steve, and thank you for your service to our nation!
The short answer to your question is that the expansion of Potranco Road is actually being done by Bexar County Public Works. We don't have updates here at TxDOT, but you can reach out to the folks at Bexar County for an update.

Where on the TxDOT web site can I find the plan for expanding I-10 from the Rim to Boerne. I see the intended closures on the blog but cannot find "the diagram/plan" for the on going work? Thank you in advance.
- Glenn
We have a few sets of schematics, Glenn. Pick your favorite:
The I-10 Kendall extension builds up I-10 between Fair Oaks Pkwy and Hwy 46, including a new overpass at Balcones Creek Road and conversion of the frontage roads to one-way.
Here's a look at the future HOV lanes on I-10 between Ralph Fair Road and La Cantera Pkwy.
This is our information on the current work at Scenic Loop Road (and NO we are not messing with the entrance and exit ramps as part of this project!).
We have the new overpass at Old Fred Road (with concurrent frontage road conversion between Ralph Fair and Fair Oaks) that's ongoing.
Finally, the work on I-10 between Ralph Fair Road and Dominion Drive - which is set to be done by the end of this month, by the way - has information available here.

Yup. We're resurfacing I-35 in New Braunfels.

It's a request we get frequently from folks in the New Braunfels area - a request to fix the road surface of I-35, particularly through the southern half of the city.
Starting February 26 we'll be doing just that. A $6.3 million project done by Angel Brothers Construction will resurface the road and repair the pavement base at locations identified by engineers as being in some serious need of help. The section of I-35 we'll be working on runs between Solms Road and FM 725 - a 4.3-mile stretch.
Work should wrap up late fall of this year.
So how does this impact you? Monday morning we'll have the northbound lanes trimmed down to two lanes at Walnut Avenue. We'll also have the on-ramp from Spur Street closed (traffic will continue through the Walnut intersection and use the next available ramp). That will last about three weeks before crews do the same thing on the southbound side.
The first work to do will be those structural repairs to the road - kind of like performing a root canal in dentistry. Once the structural repairs are all finished on this job we'll come back and give the road a final surface (like a crown). Drivers may see less-than-perfect (but totally safe) driving surfaces over the summer before we can get that final surface in.
Expect to see nightly closures as the project moves forward, with a handful of total closures of the main lanes - which will only last overnight. One of those total closures will come Sunday night, with the two right lanes closing at 9 p.m. and all lanes shutting down by 11 p.m. All lanes will reopen by 5 a.m. Monday.
Look for closure information on our weekly lane closures report right here at the Go Ahead! blog.

Cold temps = no asphalt work this weekend

By now you've probably heard or seen our closures set for this weekend. If not, check this out and come back to this post.

So Mother Nature is throwing a wrench in the works on us. In order to lay asphalt - like, final surface asphalt - we need to have our temperatures above 50 degrees (actually, for the type of asphalt we were planning to lay on Hwy 151 between Lp 1604 and Wiseman, it's 50 degrees and rising). This weekend ... well, we won't be that warm.

That means we'll have to cancel the closures planned at Hwy 151 and Loop 1604. Bummer, we know. That means you can resume any plans you had to be out and about in the area this weekend (yay!). Right now we don't have a firm reschedule plan, but if we end up getting overnight temperatures that are favorable next week we might be able to get this work done overnight. No promises on that, though ... we may end up having to go for January 13-15 (basically just pushing back work a full weekend). If that's the case, review the plan in this video (and, yes ... PLEASE get this word out via NextDoor and Facebook if you're in this impacted area):

But what about concrete work? Or demolition work? Temperatures don't impact that work as much. We don't have heavy winds in the forecast, so we should be on like Donkey Kong for that massive closure you've been hearing about this week at I-35 and New Braunfels Avenue. And yes, we really are taking a Spurs Break with that closure.

We're also moving forward with the closure of the westbound frontage road of Hwy 151 between I-410 and Ingram Road Saturday night, so if that's your area ... well, be aware and be ready to take Military Drive instead.

The New Braunfels Ave bridge work

A few months ago - late August or early September - folks in the Government Hills area started seeing orange signs pop up around the New Braunfels Ave bridge over I-35, marking the start of a long-awaited repair to that bridge.
The bridge suffered damage after it was hit a few years ago by an 18-wheeler. Due to the damage we had to close the right southbound lane of New Braunfels Avenue over I-35 and the pedestrian access on that side of the bridge. The northbound side remained at two lanes and had a sidewalk in place for pedestrian access.
Earlier this year we were able to get the funds approved to make the needed repairs. CRG was awarded the $5 million project to replace - not just repair - the bridge.

The first phase of work is to remove the entirety of the southbound half of the bridge, moving traffic over to one lane each way on what was the northbound side - basically what you see out there today (and on the graphic to the right). While this is in place we'll have just one left-turn lane on each frontage road to avoid any conflicts with folks vying for their spot as they try to cross over I-35. All pedestrian traffic will continue to use the existing sidewalk on the east side of the bridge.
Some folks might look at the lanes we've got closed and wonder why we're not doing anything. It's a darned good question. With traffic moved, CRG really can't do anything on the project until that old southbound segment is removed and demolished. Before we let them demo that portion of the bridge (which will require a full closure of I-35, when it happens) we require they submit a demolition plan that walks us through a step-by-step run of the work. It's pretty basic stuff - most demo plans look the same - but it's a requirement we have that the contractor have that plan submitted and reviewed.
As of last week we still have not received the demo plan for this project. With lane closure restrictions starting this weekend, the earliest this work could be done is mid-January. That would at least show some progress and justify the lane closure now in place.
Though we're not quite ready to demo that section of bridge, we're leaving the closure in place as it is. Why? Two reasons. First, the volume of traffic across the bridge isn't so much we're not restricting traffic flow any more than was already done by the damaged bridge. Second, the cost to restripe the bridge and move barrier would make the whole thing some "wasted money".
In the meantime we're still pushing the contractor for those demo plans and charging time against the contract, which means they're getting squeezed to get going soon or they'll start running into financial issues on the project (liquidated damages).
This configuration will be in place until summer 2017, when we'll basically just flip traffic over onto the new side of the bridge and wreck and complete the northbound side you're driving on today.
All told, the project should finish up around the end of 2017, if all goes well.

Mail Bag: Marbach extensions, that ramp from Ralph Fair Road, development of I-35 and of Lp 1604

When Marbach will be extended west of Loop 1604? Please provide schematic. Thank you.
- Edwin

Edwin, you've asked a pretty easy question! The answer is "we don't know". Marbach is a city or a county facility and is not maintained nor developed by TxDOT. For the area you're looking, we recommend reaching out to the good folks at Bexar County.

To be perfectly honest, new roads aren't really built by the county or the city. In a situation like this, that development would be done by the private developers building up the Marbach area. Just take a look at Alamo Ranch Parkway and its extension for a current example, or look at the way Wiseman was built much before that.
So, if you're wondering when Marbach will be extended ... well, get in touch with the private developers continually building that area out.

I know there have been some questions regarding the east bound on ramp at Ralph Fair Road. I'm curious why the on ramp isn't like the one shown in the TxDOT design manual. Figure 3-29 shows 1,050 ft (450 ft and 600 ft) and I think you're much shorter. How come? Isn't this what's making it dangerous?

- Joe
Well that's about as loaded a question as could be asked, isn't it? And, in fairness, this question was asked quite a while ago - we wanted to be sure to have a good scientific answer for you.
For starters, we're not much shorter than the guidelines in the TxDOT design manual. If you take a look at the notes our engineers made just for this post, you'll note the actual distances are 397 feet from the end of gore to the end of hash lines, and another 563 feet from end of hash lines to the end of taper.

For those keeping track at home, that's a total of 970 feet - less than 8 percent off the suggested dimensions in the design manual. When considering constraints here with drain structures and bridges (this ramp is sandwiched between Nochols and Leon creeks), that's pretty darned awesome.
Bottom line: we stand by our initial response to this issue with confidence.

Just read your mailbag post. Great stuff! I'm just curious if you had any info on the 151/1604 project. I seem to recall that there was some mention of the direct connector being projected to be operational sometime in June. Obviously I'm sure the weather has delayed that, but any word on an ETA?
- Felix
Construction seems to have stopped on the elevated connector from SB 1604 to EB 151. At one point, it was scheduled to open in June 2016. What's the updated schedule to open that connector?
- Trevor 

At the new construction 151-1604 interchange, I see the southbound 1604 exit to 151 flyover looking like it's progressing well. However, it looks as if the new eastbound (from Alamo Ranch Parkway) to 151 connection will run right into the structural member holding up the aforementioned flyover ramp. Was this a mistake in construction, or will the entire east-bound left lane get scrapped and/or relocated?
- Glenn
Felix and Trevor are right, we did boast a tentative opening of the end of June (thanks, Felix, for the kind words!). That was before we got hammered with the rains in April and May, though. Weather shifted the contractor priority to wrapping up work along Loop 1604. That work's deadline was mid-June, and going beyond the deadline carried financial disincentives. Work goes where the money is, and that meant crews being pulled to finish up those main lanes and frontage roads.

Right now the projected opening of the direct connector is in August, though we don't have an exact date. We should note overall completion isn't due until early 2017 - and the contractor isn't really obligated to open this incrementally (though doing so will certainly help them progress their work).
As for the eastbound connector, Glenn ... take a look at this:

If you look closely you'll see hard lines or squares across the direct connector (curved red road). You'll note one of those hard lines lands right up against where the abutment for the Hwy 151 overpass at Lp 1604 sets (blue and read meet, top-center of picture).
These hard lines are the column caps and abutments for the bridge structure. The one you're seeing will be just to the right of what you're seeing. Heck, we've even got the bridge spans in place now so you can see it when you drive through.
Just so we're clear, the overpass over Lp 1604 that merges Hwy 151 with Alamo Ranch Parkway is set to open to traffic by the end of this year.

Many salutations! I am called Damon Mason. I have been driven along the McDermott Freeway and am very impressed with how that highway has been revised to have five lanes in both directions between downtown San Antonio and Loop 410. One question that bugs me is why I-35 has not been revised in the same five-lanes coming-and-going manner that has been done with the McDermott Freeway. Why has that not been done, AAMPO?
- Damon
Why can I-35 not be revised so that freight truck traffic and private auto traffic are using separate levels? Most of the vehicular collisions are caused by private motorists behaving recklessly around freight trucks which have a mass of 80K pounds (or even heavier!); one solution is for freight trucks to have a level of the highway where there are no hydraulic-decelerated vehicles allowed and for private automobiles to have a level of the highway where there are no air-decelerated vehicles allowed. Why has that not been put into practice?
- Damon
Damon (he wrote us twice), this really is a question for the Alamo Area MPO. While we have a seat at that table, we're just one of several. That, and we're not the controlling agency of the MPO - the MPO is independent.
The need on I-35 is clear, and we've got several options being considered. Ultimately it'll be up to the MPO to determine when we'll move on I-35 and how that work will be funded.

What it's going to happen with 1604 between Bandera Road and I-10? With the construction between Culebra and Bandera finishing, traffic here has gotten even worse with increased traffic and accessibility. Are improvements for this stretch stuck in environmental study or funding limbo?
- Andrew

In a word, Andrew, yes.

The real need here is an upgrade - a significant upgrade - to the intersection of I-10 and Loop 1604. While the expansion of Loop 1604 has helped traffic on the far northwest side, it's also rushed traffic into the already existing logjam leading up to I-10 (and, frankly, all the way to US 281). The whole problem requires three major solves.

First, we need an additional lane of traffic for each direction of Loop 1604 between I-10 and US 281 at a minimum (and between Bandera Road and I-35 at a practical level). We know that. Infortunately, we don't have finances to construct that additional lane (though the MPO has been developing ideas for it, as you can see on page 9 here). 

Next, we need a significantly upgraded intersection at I-10. We're solving the problem at US 281 already; the cloverleaf at I-10 is outmoded by far at this point. This is another situation that's in need of significant funding to address. A typical interchange like we need at that location can easily top $500 million. Unfortunately, we're not the kind of agency that just carries that kind of cash on us. We're looking for ideas to get that price tag down - and one way is to build the full interchange in phases. We've already got one phase identified for development next year, at a price tag of about $110 million.

Finally, we need to do some "operational improvements", or adjust the way the ramps are set up and reverse ramps where possible. This means reversing some of the ramps to fit the Super X configuration you see on expressways across the city. This could be something we do as a stop-gap to improve (though, admittedly, only slightly) issues between now and a larger fix. This is all stuff to go through the MPO, though - and it's all being considered. Seriously, just check out the list of projects the MPO has on its wish list. Quite frankly, we just need money to do this.

We'll have more later this week....

Temporary closure on I-35 through afternoon, evening

US: When you're driving home from downtown this evening, and you're taking northbound I-35, the right lane leading to the split that goes into I-37 and U.S. 281 will be closed. All northbound I-35 traffic to I-37 or U.S. 281 will be pared down to a single lane, which will be able to split to the appropriate ramps just before reaching the interchange. Here's a picture of the area we're talking about, just to make sure we're clear as mud:

YOU: Wow. That's a huge bummer - and I'm really downplaying this. What in tarnation would make you want to do such a thing?

US: Well, it's like this. Last night's storm knocked out our asphalt production plants feeding a mill and overlay project on northbound I-35 leading to the I-37 and U.S. 281 interchange.

YOU: Waitasec, can you translate that?!?

US: Sure The lighting storm last night shut down power to a plant that mixes rock and tar and oil to make asphalt - that's a batch plant - making asphalt for a project on northbound I-35. The project is a resurface job, where we mill or shave off about two inches of existing asphalt and replace it with new stuff from the batch plant. Thing is, crews were able to mill but not replace because the plant went down.

YOU: Ok....

US: So now we've got a section about 600 feet long - that's two football fields, since we are in Texas - that's got a two-inch lip. We're worried that lip creates a safety hazard. Heck, we've already gotten a few phone calls about the issue today.

YOU: So why didn't y'all take care of that lip last night?

US: We tried to. We took some leftover asphalt from the work we were able to do and tried to make a little "ramp" to soften the edge. Unfortunately, that asphalt left a really rough driving surface and didn't fix that hard edge on the sides. Basically, lane changes would be a huge booger and we are trying to avoid major issues.

YOU: So now my commute for the evening will be shot ... that's not very nice, TxDOT! Will you at least have it back open for my drive tomorrow?

US: That's the plan - and we really are sorry. Our primary concern here is safety, but we're mindful of just how big a mess this might be. We'll have crews out there tonight trying to fix the problem. We have a few different scenarios that could play out tonight, but the important thing for you to know is our priority is to have this 600-foot stretch safely reopened by morning.

YOU: OK, so let's just make sure I've got all this cleared up. If I'm headed north on the upper level I-35 lanes that lead to I-37 or U.S. 281, I'll only have one lane to run through as I go over North St. Mary's Street. Because of that, I should plan to see my commute take a little extra and maybe even plan a different route home. Does that about cover it?

US: Yup. Well, that and if you're coming from Brooklyn or McCullough avenues that on-ramp will be closed. We know that will really stink up how traffic moves through downtown, but it needs to be done.

YOU: Wow. Well, it's only for one evening, correct?

US: That's the plan. We should have it back up and running to normal by the morning. Our crews won't be able to start until later tonight, but they're committed to getting this back open for you.

YOU: And it won't impact thru traffic on I-35?

US: For the most part, no. This is only those two lanes heading into I-37 and U.S. 281. The three thru lanes for northbound I-35 won't be touched.

YOU: Well, alright. I suppose I can tough through this for one night. I am a Spurs fan, after all. I can power through a little adversity and prevail!

US: Thanks for understanding - and for persevering. Go Spurs Go!

---

(Three hours later)

YOU: What the heck, TxDOT?!? You said you'd only have one lane closed! I just looked, and you have the whole upper deck of northbound I-35 closed - including the ramp from eastbound I-10 to northbound I-35! What happened?

US: First of all, we're as frustrated with the situation as you are. When we outline a plan, we like to know that's the plan that happens. Obviously shutting down one of the biggest intersections of the seventh-largest city in America during rush hour was not our plan.

YOU: So what did happen? I need answers here!

US: No excuses: we messed up. When the work order was given to our contractor on this at about 3 p.m., the message of the closure details was not effectively relayed. When traffic control crews began setting up the closure they did so for the nighttime closure that's typically out there from 9 p.m. until 5 a.m. each week. When we got wind of what was happening the paving crews were already arriving on site and asphalt was on its way.

YOU: Why didn't you stop this from happening?

US: Quite frankly, we had one guy out there and he thought what was being set up was what we had outlined. This was a communication breakdown on a few different levels, and we own that. That said, we're currently (at 6:30 p.m.) removing the closure and shutting down the asphalt work that's going on. Our initial plan should be in place just after 7 as we get that stuff corrected. The more major closure will be back up after 9 p.m. to allow paving to continue as needed.

YOU: Alright - you've owned the mistake. That's fair. How are you going to prevent this from happening again?

US: That's the exact question we're asking ourselves right now, and our leadership teams will take a look at what all happened and discover where our communication breakdown occurred. We take this kind of thing very seriously, and we'll make sure we don't have these gaffes again. We simply can't - we need to be better than that. We are human here, we make mistakes; but as a collective body we should be able to learn from the event.

YOU: Well, thanks for talking to me about it. I'm not sure there's a silver lining to be found in all this, but thanks for hashing all this out.

US: No problem. Thanks for being patient with us!