Highway design plans for portions of Loop 1604 and Interstate 35 are expected to improve congestion and traffic woes for present and future area residents.
Plans for Loop 1604 include widening the four lane expressway to 10 lanes between Interstate 35 and Bandera Road (Texas 16). A multi-level interchange has also been proposed to improve the connection between Interstate 10 and 1604. At its completion, the Texas Department of Transportation estimates the proposed changes for Loop 1604 will cost $1 billion.
Along the north east portion of I-35, construction will expand the highway from near Fort Sam Houston to FM 1103 in Comal County. In preparation for a growing population there are also plans for high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, multi-level stretches and elevated lanes along frontage roads. Improvements to I-35 will cost an estimated $2 billion according to TxDOT.
How will these projects improve mobility in the region? How are highway expansion projects funded? Is more funding needed for the Loop 1604 or I-35 development plan? What is the projected timeline for completion?
Will the finished highways improve the average daily commute in that area? Without expansion what are the estimated travel times for commuters?
Guests:
- Jonathan Bean, director of transportation planning and development for the San Antonio District of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)
- Brian Purcell, The Texas Highway Man
- Kevin Wolff, Bexar County Commissioner for Precinct 3 and current chairman of the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (AAMPO) Board of Directors
"The Source" is a live call-in program airing Mondays through Thursdays from 12-1 p.m. Leave a message before the program at (210) 615-8982. During the live show, call 210-614-8980, email thesource@tpr.org or tweet @TPRSource.
*This interview was recorded on Wednesday, October 23.
