Orange cones, barricades, detours and lane closures have become a familiar sight on San Antonio roads as the Texas Department of Transportation works on projects across the city.
For many drivers, the construction has brought longer commutes, damaged vehicles and concerns about highway safety.
“Everywhere you go, there’s construction everywhere,” San Antonio driver Elizabeth Almanza-Alvarado said.
Other drivers used stronger words to describe the work. Nicholas Betts called it “abysmal,” while Donica Betts described it as “soul-sucking.” Heather Rice called the construction “an absolute disastrous mess.”
Rice said some newly built entrance ramps are difficult to navigate because drivers are placed onto the highway near concrete barriers that limit visibility of approaching traffic.
“Those are really, really scary,” Rice said.
Almanza-Alvarado said rocks fell onto her vehicle while she was driving near the Woodlawn exit of Interstate 10. She said the debris cracked her windshield and broke the antenna on top of her car.
Drivers also said road debris has damaged tires. Rice said she has dealt with numerous tire patches and recently had to replace a tire after a nail punctured its sidewall.
Nicholas Betts said a 30-minute commute can quickly turn into a trip lasting 50, 60 or even 90 minutes when traffic backs up.
Donica Betts said drivers need more reliable information about when lanes will reopen.
“If you’re saying the lanes are going to open by 5 a.m., then they should be open at 5 a.m.,” she said. “We shouldn’t be sitting on I-35 at 8 a.m., backed up to New Braunfels, because they’re still down to one lane.”
Drivers said they want more oversight of construction projects, better cleanup of debris and clearer communication about closures and reopening times.
Weekend closures
TxDOT has announced several major traffic changes for the weekend, from 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28 through 5 a.m. Monday, Aug. 31:
• Southbound I-35 reduced to one lane between Petroleum Drive and Binz Engleman Road continuously from 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28 through 5 a.m. Monday, Aug. 31, 2026.
• Northbound I-35 reduced to one lane between North Walters Street and Petroleum Drive nightly from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., Monday, Aug. 31 through Friday, Sept. 4, 2026.
• Southbound I-35 reduced to one lane between Petroleum Drive and North Walters Street nightly from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., Monday, Aug. 31 through Friday, Sept. 4, 2026.
• TxDOT will close the southbound I-35 main lanes from Randolph Road to Fratt Road and the southbound I-35 frontage road from Randolph Road to Fratt Road for steel bridge beam installation from 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28 to 5 a.m. Monday, Aug. 31.
TxDOT construction is expected to continue affecting travel times across San Antonio. Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra time and use caution in work zones.
KSAT reached out to TxDOT about its reimbursement policy for damages. The agency said it does not reimburse for damages to property.
Read also:
