San Antonio's highway modernization efforts are entering a new phase, leading to significant closures for daily commuters and weekend travelers. Starting today, a major turnaround lane at I-35 and Rittiman Road will be closed for about four weeks, affecting rush-hour traffic. This closure is part of the I-35 Northeast Expansion (NEX) project, which aims to address traffic issues in the area by adding elevated lanes to reduce congestion
This closure will affect a densely populated area that serves as a key route between Austin and Downtown San Antonio. A nearby 18-wheeler loading dock is expected to experience disruptions, as TxDOT has advised drivers to prepare for increased congestion. As told to MySA, "So that’s the whole I-35 NEX, or Northeast Expansion Project. We call it NEX," said TxDOT spokesperson Jennifer Serold. The ongoing construction, which currently focuses on a 9-mile central phase, carries a price tag estimated at $1.5 billion.
Set to be completed in 2027, the new highway sections will include three additional lanes in each direction, with the goal of improving traffic flow on I-35 by connecting directly to both Loop 1604 and Loop 410. Despite the immediate inconveniences, the TxDOT urges motorists to "try exiting early and taking back streets to reach their final destination or brace for some serious slow downs during times of high traffic," as they implement long-term solutions designed to enhance mobility throughout San Antonio's expanding road network, as per MySA.
