Diverging Diamond Shift at Blanco Road and Downtown Closures Impact Saturday Commute

Downtown Delays: South Alamo Street Construction Reaches Final Phase

The long-running $58 million infrastructure project on South Alamo Street is entering its final stages this weekend. Commuters and visitors headed to Hemisfair or La Villita should expect significant lane restrictions near the intersections of César Chávez Boulevard and Market Street. While the project is nearing its April completion, current concrete pouring and sidewalk upgrades mean that various lane closures are in effect through 7:00 p.m. today. Pedestrian access near the Fairmount Hotel and the Alamo Street bridge remains partially restricted, though the city has opened several crosswalks to improve flow for the School Discovery Day events at Hemisfair.

North Side: Transitioning to the Diverging Diamond at Blanco Road

One of the most significant changes to the San Antonio traffic landscape is taking place this month at the intersection of Loop 1604 and Blanco Road. As part of the Loop 1604 North Expansion, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has introduced the city’s first-ever Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI). Drivers will experience a new traffic pattern where lanes briefly shift to the left side of the road to allow for safer, non-conflicting left turns onto the highway. Construction crews are active this weekend as they work to complete the remaining bridge components for Segment 3, which stretches from I-10 to US 281. Expect intermittent frontage road closures and heavy congestion near the Stone Oak area as travelers adapt to the new lane configurations.

Major Arteries: I-35 NEX and Highway 90 Updates

Work continues on the I-35 Northeast Expansion (NEX) project, particularly on the Central segment. Commuters traveling between North Walters Street and FM 1103 should prepare for narrowed lanes and reduced speed limits as crews advance the construction of elevated express structures. On the city’s Far West side, expansion work on Highway 90 remains active between Loop 410 and SH 211. Drivers are advised to watch for new flyover ramp configurations at the Highway 90 and Loop 1604 interchange, where turnaround bridge work may cause minor delays during peak afternoon hours. Periodic nightly closures also continue on Loop 1604 between Pat Booker Road and Lookout Road for ongoing bridge deck work.

Public Transit and Event Traffic Alerts

VIA Metropolitan Transit reminds riders that 19 routes, including Route 5 (McCullough) and Route 22 (East Side), are now operating with increased frequency as part of the Better Bus Plan. If you are attending the Chicago concert at the Majestic Theatre or the "Whose Live Anyway?" performance at the Tobin Center tonight, consider using the improved 15-minute frequency on the I-35 Express (Route 17) to avoid downtown parking congestion. Additionally, city splash pads officially open for the season today, which is expected to increase family traffic around major parks such as Pearsall and San Pedro Springs throughout the afternoon.