Bandera Road, spanning a busy three miles between Evers Road and Cincinnati Avenue, is slated for a public safety overhaul. In response to numerous pedestrian accidents and vehicular collisions — tallying 46 and eight fatalities in recent years — the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has earmarked $2 million toward the installation of a continuous raised median and protected crosswalks. Residents and businesses affected by the street's grim safety record were given a platform to voice their concerns and suggestions at an open house this past Tuesday.
After engaging with the local community and transit agencies, TxDOT recognized the need to fortify pedestrian crossings, particularly at bus stops heavily frequented by foot traffic. Several participants in the open house posited sticky notes onto project maps, bringing forth requests such as more seating at bus stops and concerns about the impact of construction on nearby businesses. One comment obtained by the San Antonio Report highlighted pedestrian gratitude, "This crosswalk is much needed. Thank you."
Orlando Gallegos, TxDOT’s San Antonio district traffic engineer, shared with the local community worries regarding the duration of the construction, estimated at 10 months — for now. According to Gallegos, business owners along Bandera Road are particularly concerned about how long their frontage will be a construction zone. He told the San Antonio Report, “The public wants us to restrict construction hours, as well as the length of the roadway the contractor can work at once. That can significantly add more time to the duration of the schedule.”
However, the scope of the current proposal has not met the expectations of all community members. Don Ríos, president of the Culebra Park Neighborhood Association, remarked on the plans, as obtained by the San Antonio Report, “It’s very shocking that this one does not and it shows a lack of consideration, and to be blunt, a lack of infrastructure equity. … It’s a good effort, but I think a little more needs to be done.”
Laura Lopez, a spokeswoman for TxDOT's San Antonio district, notes that the project's commencement is dependent on public feedback, which could alter the current plans. Meanwhile, at least one representative from the City Council District 7 office was present during the open house to relay community input, stressing the dual importance of addressing both resident and business owner concerns in a statement to the San Antonio Report. The final design phase for the project is expected to be completed later in the fall, following an environmental clearance.
