San Antonio drivers have dealt with road construction for years, but new long-term closures could make commutes even tougher and increase the risk of accidents. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) recently announced closures on major highways that will last for months. These projects will cause delays, detours, and added risks on the road. With these disruptions, drivers should be aware of alternate routes, stay patient, and take extra precautions to avoid car accidents and road rage.
Which major highways are closing, and for how long?
TxDOT has announced two significant closures that will affect traffic across the city. The northbound Loop 410 entrance ramp south of Greatfare on the Northeast Side is now closed as part of ongoing bridge work for the I-35 Northeast Expansion Project. TxDOT expects the closure to last through early summer.
To navigate the detour, drivers on the northbound Loop 410 frontage road must continue past the closed entrance and use the next available ramp north of Dinn Drive. TxDOT has placed signs along the route to help guide traffic, but congestion is expected, especially during rush hour.
Meanwhile, the eastbound I-10 frontage road south of Loop 1604 on the Northwest Side is also undergoing construction and has been fully closed for roadwork. This closure is expected to last until late spring, adding another layer of delays for San Antonio drivers.
Possible detours include:
- The Loop 1604 westbound frontage road.
- The signalized turnaround at La Cantera Parkway.
- Loop 1604 eastbound main lanes after La Cantera Parkway.
- Exit 557 toward UTSA Boulevard to enter the I-10 eastbound frontage road.
- Businesses near the closed frontage road can still be accessed via Old Fredricksburg Road.
How will these closures affect daily commutes?
Drivers should expect longer travel times, more congestion, and extra frustration. Peak traffic hours will be especially rough in the affected areas. Drivers who can adjust their schedules may have an easier time avoiding the worst of the congestion. Here’s what San Antonio commuters can anticipate:
- Longer routes: The detours force drivers onto alternate roads and add time to daily travel.
- Traffic bottlenecks: Merging lanes and heavy traffic could lead to gridlock near construction zones.
- Limited business access: Customers may have a harder time reaching businesses near closed roads.
- Slower emergency response: Ambulances, police, and fire trucks may experience delays due to detours.
How do these closures increase the risk of accidents?
With increased congestion in San Antonio comes an increased risk of car accidents. Construction zones create dangerous driving conditions, especially when drivers are frustrated or distracted. Some of the most common accident risks include:
- Rear-end collisions: Heavy traffic leads to frequent stops and increases the chances of rear-end crashes. Drivers following too closely may not have enough time to stop.
- Sideswipe accidents: When multiple lanes merge into fewer lanes, sideswipe crashes become more common. Checking blind spots and using turn signals is more important than ever.
- Illegal U-turns and wrong-way driving: Some drivers try to cut through traffic or bypass detours by making illegal U-turns or entering roads the wrong way. This puts both them and other drivers at serious risk.
- Pedestrian and construction zone dangers: Drivers need to be extra cautious near work zones. Speeding through construction areas puts workers and pedestrians at risk.
How can construction delays lead to road rage?
Anyone who has been stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic knows how frustrating it can be. Long delays, unexpected detours, and packed highways can lead to road rage.
Some of the most common aggressive driving behaviors include:
- Tailgating: Drivers following too closely, especially in stop-and-go traffic.
- Weaving through traffic: Some drivers try to jump ahead by aggressively changing lanes.
- Honking and yelling: Anger can quickly escalate when drivers react emotionally to delays.
- Blocking other cars: Some drivers refuse to let others merge, which makes congestion worse.
The best way to avoid road rage is to stay calm, take deep breaths, and remind yourself that delays are temporary. If you encounter an aggressive driver, don't engage; just let them go. If they follow you, or if you believe you're in danger, call the police or drive to the nearest police station.
When will the closures end, and what’s next?
TxDOT expects the northbound Loop 410 closure to last until early summer, while the eastbound I-10 frontage road closure should end by late spring. However, construction schedules are always subject to weather and unexpected delays. San Antonio drivers should prepare for ongoing construction throughout the year as TxDOT continues making highway improvements.
Additionally, drivers can stay safe by:
- Checking real-time traffic updates
- Adjusting schedules to avoid peak congestion
- Following detour signs and posted speed limits
- Avoiding distractions behind the wheel
- Being patient and driving defensively
Injured in a traffic or construction zone crash? Get the legal help you need.
If you were injured in a car accident in San Antonio that was not your fault, you deserve experienced legal representation. The San Antonio car accident lawyers at The Herrera Law Firm understand how frustrating and overwhelming this situation can be. Medical bills pile up, lost wages create financial strain, and dealing with insurance companies only adds to the stress.
Our skilled attorneys are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve so you don't have to pay for medical expenses, lost income, pain, and suffering because of someone else's error. Liability can be complicated when car accidents happen in high-traffic areas or construction zones. Insurance companies often try to shift the blame or downplay your injuries. Don’t let them take advantage of you.
Our legal team has decades of experience taking on insurance companies and getting maximum compensation for injured clients. We handle all aspects of your case, from investigating the crash and gathering evidence to negotiating aggressively on your behalf. If needed, we are fully prepared to take your case to court.
When you're ready to take action, contact us online or call us for a free consultation. Let us help you take the next steps toward justice and financial recovery.
