Major Delays Expected Downtown and Northwest: I-35 and Loop 1604 Construction Combined with Rodeo Kick-Off

Significant Traffic Disruptions Across San Antonio This Saturday

San Antonio commuters and visitors should prepare for a challenging travel day this Saturday, February 7, 2026. A combination of long-term highway reconstruction projects and major downtown events marking the start of rodeo season will result in significant lane closures and detours. Drivers are strongly advised to plan for extra travel time or seek alternate routes to avoid the most congested zones.

Downtown: I-35 Closures and Rodeo Festivities

The most significant impact to the city center is the full closure of the lower level of northbound I-35 between the I-10 and I-37 interchanges. This closure, which began Friday, is scheduled to last through February 20 as crews perform essential bridge joint repairs. While all lanes on the upper level of I-35 remain open, the reduction in capacity is expected to cause heavy bottlenecking through the downtown curve.

Adding to the downtown congestion, the 2026 Western Heritage Parade and Cattle Drive will take place today. The parade kicks off at 11 a.m. and will move from the intersection of I-35 and Houston Street toward the Alamo. Street closures along the route will begin as early as 7 a.m. to accommodate the Stampede 5K, which starts at Milam Park. Market Square will also see increased pedestrian traffic due to the ongoing Vaquero Cook-Off.

Northwest: Loop 1604 and I-10 Interchange Construction

On the Northwest Side, the Loop 1604 North Expansion project continues to heavily impact the I-10 interchange. For the duration of the weekend, TxDOT has implemented a full closure of the Loop 1604 frontage roads in both directions at the I-10 interchange. Additionally, the westbound frontage road for I-10 and the exit ramp from eastbound Loop 1604 to Valero Way are closed to traffic.

Nightly closures at the La Cantera Parkway intersection under I-10, including all U-turn lanes, will also be in effect from 9 p.m. until 5 a.m. Drivers heading to The Rim or The Shops at La Cantera should follow posted detour signs toward the main lanes to navigate around the construction zone.

VIA Metropolitan Transit Alerts

Public transit riders should be aware of several active detours due to the aforementioned construction projects and events:

• Route 97 (North): Currently on detour near De Zavala; no service between Military Highway and Indian Woods.
• Route 36 (South Presa): Experiencing multiple detours and closed stops between New Braunfels and Sidney Brooks.
• Downtown Routes: Routes 22, 42, and others passing through the Houston Street corridor will experience delays and temporary stop closures during the morning parade and 5K run.

Commuters are encouraged to use navigation apps to monitor real-time speeds, as travel times between Fischer Road and Loop 1604 via I-35 are already showing significant increases this morning.