BY THOMAS LEFFLER
Measuring the impact
Looking ahead
The timing of the project is based on the expected traffic growth along I-35. According to TxDOT, traffic volume along I-35 is expected to increase by 40% to 130% in daily traffic from the preconstruction to post-construction period. Despite the growth, travel time from FM 3009 to the Frost Bank Center is expected to decline by 41% to 48% once construction is complete.
The project will also contribute to the already rapid business growth in the area. Scott Wayman, executive director of the Schertz Economic Development Corporation, said the city has been transitioning to retail operations off the interstate. “[I-35] is a tremendous generator for any city, [but] especially between San Antonio and New Braunfels right now,” Wayman said.
The project—now 62% complete—is estimated to wrap up in late 2027, Galindo said. Residents can stay informed about road closures that affect them through TxDOT’s social media channels.
2019
August 2019: public hearing held on project
2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026
I-35 NEX Central daily traffic
June 2022: construction begins October 2022: first drill shaft complete January 2023: first bridge column complete June 2023: first bridge bent caps complete January 2025: first 1,000 bridge beams complete
Preconstruction
Main lanes when complete
Elevated lanes when complete
Fall 2027: construction complete
2027
Salado Creek
FM 1518
Walzem Road
Thousand Oaks Drive
17
NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION
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