A significant section of Loop 1604 in San Antonio is set for a temporary shutdown this weekend, as the Texas Department of Transportation embarks on a repaving mission. Drivers are advised to avoid the eastbound main lanes from the Bitters Road exit to the Blanco Road entrance, which will be closed from 9 p.m. Friday through 5 a.m. Monday. Express-News reports the closure is part of the $1.4 million Loop 1604 North Expansion Project aimed at reducing traffic congestion and increasing safety.
Pending the weekend's weather conditions, the project could see some delays. A barrage of severe thunderstorms is predicted to hit South and Central Texas, threatening high winds, hail, or possibly a tornado, particularly along the I-35 corridor between San Antonio and Austin. Locally heavy rainfall with potential for isolated flash flooding is also on the table, with the National Weather Service noting in a bulletin obtained by Express-News, "The main hazard would be large or very large hail and damaging straight-line winds." Weekend storms have been known to hinder road works and could throw a wrench into TxDOT's already full schedule.
Detours will be in place for those traversing the affected stretch of Loop 1604 East, rerouting traffic to the frontage road. Despite the anticipated inclement weather, TxDOT has planned for this total closure over the weekend, stating that these lanes are expected to remain closed for the full duration, although they have forewarned all closures "are subject to change and modification as necessary".
Driving the nasty weather is an atmospheric disturbance combined with a slow-moving cold front, leading to dual rounds of storm activity on Friday. During Friday morning, scattered storms from 5 to 10 a.m. could impede early commutes, followed by an afternoon redux that could linger into the night. According to the Express-News, a level 2 of 5 risk for severe weather has been declared for areas along the I-35 corridor, with isolated severe storms still a threat throughout a larger portion of Texas.
The weekend promises to continue the wet trend with an 80% chance of rain on Saturday and a persistent 70% chance on Sunday, potentially impacting any outdoor plans or further construction efforts. San Antonio residents can expect a noticeable plunge in temperatures to 71 degrees during the day, before the weather takes a drier turn Sunday night, leading into a sunny but cooler Monday.
