San Antonio drivers can expect significant changes on the roads this year as several major infrastructure projects, including the expansion of Interstate 35, move forward. These projects are intended to improve traffic flow and reduce the risk of car accidents in a city known for some of the worst traffic congestion in the country.
“We’re delivering three huge projects and opening up two more flyover ramps, which will really help with congestion,” said Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) spokesperson Jennifer Serold in an interview with the San Antonio Express-News. “The first ramp has already helped relieve congestion. It will just compound upon that relief for drivers.”
While road improvements can ease traffic and increase safety, the construction phase can also bring temporary risks, such as unexpected lane changes and increased congestion. If you’re injured in a San Antonio car accident that wasn't your fault, knowing your legal options can help you navigate the challenges ahead.
I-10 Expansion and Other San Antonio Highway Projects Nearing Completion
Several major road improvement projects in San Antonio are expected to be completed this year, easing traffic and enhancing safety for drivers. According to the San Antonio Express-News, TxDOT has announced plans to finish construction on key interchanges that have been in progress for years.
One of the most notable projects is the $156 million interchange at Loop 410 and Interstate 10 East on the East Side. This project, which began four years ago, includes two new 122-foot-tall flyover ramps—one connecting northbound 410 to eastbound I-10, and another connecting westbound I-10 to southbound 410. Construction is expected to wrap up mid-year.
Another major project nearing completion is the interchange at Loop 1604 and Interstate 10 on the Northwest Side. This interchange is part of a $1.4 billion expansion of Loop 1604, which will widen the highway from four lanes to 10 lanes between Bandera Road and Interstate 35. The entire Loop 1604 expansion is expected to be completed by 2028.
In addition to highway improvements, several other key road reconstruction projects in San Antonio are set to finish this year:
- South Alamo Street in the Hemisfair district downtown.
- Commerce, San Saba, and Santa Rosa streets in the Zona Cultural area in west downtown.
- Prue Road on the Northwest Side between Babcock Road and Laureate Drive—a $40.3 million project that began in 2021.
These infrastructure upgrades seek to reduce congestion, improve access, and create safer routes for drivers. However, roadwork zones can create temporary hazards, such as shifting lanes and sudden slowdowns. If you’ve been injured in an accident near a construction zone, a San Antonio car accident lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and seek compensation for your losses.
San Antonio Road Improvement Projects Kicking Off in 2025
In addition to projects wrapping up this year, San Antonio will see the start of significant new road expansions aimed at improving traffic flow and safety. One of the largest projects is the first phase of the US 90 westbound expansion on the far West Side, according to TxDOT spokesperson Jennifer Serold in an interview with the San Antonio Express-News.
Currently in the design phase, this major project will focus on the stretch of US 90 between Loop 410 and Loop 1604. Plans include widening the roadway into a six-lane freeway with new access roads to accommodate increased traffic and reduce bottlenecks.
Once completed, this expansion is expected to improve commuter routes and provide safer, more efficient access for residents and businesses on San Antonio’s West Side. However, as with all roadwork, temporary disruptions and construction-related hazards are inevitable.
Ongoing Road Improvement Projects in San Antonio
In addition to the new and completed projects, construction and design work will continue on TxDOT’s massive Interstate 35 expansion, known as the "NEX" (Northeast Expansion) project. This ambitious initiative will add approximately 20 miles of highway to I-35, including three elevated lanes in each direction to improve traffic flow through one of San Antonio’s busiest corridors.
The NEX project is divided into five segments, with construction on two major segments set to begin this year:
- Southern portion of phase two: Extends from North Walters Street to the I-35 intersection with Loop 410.
- Phase three: Focuses on the interchange between I-35 and Loop 410.
Although these construction projects won’t be completed this year, they represent a critical step toward reducing congestion and improving access throughout the region.
However, large-scale projects like the NEX expansion can create temporary road hazards, such as lane closures, detours, and increased congestion. These conditions often lead to more accidents, especially when drivers speed or fail to adjust to the changing traffic patterns.
How Bad Is Traffic Congestion in San Antonio?
The short answer? Really bad. That’s exactly why so many road improvement projects are underway in San Antonio.
A recent study by INRIX, as reported by the San Antonio Current, ranks San Antonio as having the 21st worst traffic congestion of any city in the country. And according to the study, traffic has only worsened over the past two years.
On average, San Antonio drivers spend 39 hours per year stuck in traffic. That translates to an estimated $698 in lost revenue and economic productivity per driver annually, highlighting the far-reaching impacts of traffic congestion.
How Does Heavy Traffic Cause Car Accidents?
While sitting in traffic is frustrating, it’s more than just a nuisance—it’s a real safety hazard. Here are some common ways traffic congestion contributes to car accidents:
- Sudden stops: In bumper-to-bumper traffic, abrupt halts can easily lead to rear-end collisions.
- Distracted driving: Drivers who take their eyes off the road to check their phone or multitask can crash into stopped or slow-moving vehicles.
- Aggressive driving: Impatient drivers who weave in and out of traffic or tailgate often cause dangerous, high-impact crashes.
Get the Legal Help You Need After a San Antonio Car Accident
Heavy traffic, ongoing construction, and reckless driving behaviors create dangerous conditions on San Antonio’s roads. Even the most cautious drivers can fall victim to accidents caused by another driver’s negligence. When a crash leaves you injured, you need an experienced legal team to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
At The Herrera Law Firm, our San Antonio car accident lawyers have been standing up for injured Texans for decades. We know how to handle complex accident claims and aren’t afraid to take on insurance companies that try to minimize or deny your claim. Whether you’re dealing with medical bills, lost income, or pain and suffering, we’ll fight to get you the results you deserve.
Don’t wait to get the help you need. Contact The Herrera Law Firm today for a free case review. Our office is located on West Commerce Street in San Antonio and we handle car accident claims throughout Texas. We also work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing unless we win your case.
