Major Lane Closures and Interchange Delays Expected on I-35 and Loop 1604 Today
Traffic and Commute Update for Friday, February 20, 2026
Commuters across San Antonio should prepare for a challenging drive today as the city’s major highway expansion projects continue to impact primary arteries. With the workweek drawing to a close, the standard Friday evening construction ramp-up is expected to begin earlier than usual in several high-traffic zones. Drivers are encouraged to plan for extra travel time, especially if navigating the North and Northeast sides of the city.
Loop 1604 North Expansion and I-10 Interchange
The massive $1.4 billion Loop 1604 North Expansion project remains the most significant factor for North Side commuters. As of this morning, the project to transform Loop 1604 into a 10-lane expressway is roughly 70% complete. While all eight flyover ramps at the I-10 interchange are now open to traffic, significant work continues on the surrounding frontage roads and the mainlanes of Segment 3, which stretches from I-10 to US 281. Drivers should anticipate alternating lane closures on the eastbound frontage roads between Valero Way and the I-10 interchange. These localized delays are necessary for final utility work and sidewalk improvements as TxDOT pushes toward a projected completion for this segment later this spring.
I-35 Northeast Expansion (NEX) Activity
On the Northeast Side, the I-35 NEX project is entering another heavy construction phase. Work on the elevated express lanes between North Walters Street and FM 1103 is creating congestion during peak hours, particularly in the Schertz area. Tonight, starting as early as 8:00 PM, major lane closures are planned on I-35 near the H-E-B Plus for concrete deck work. Commuters heading toward New Braunfels or Austin this evening should consider using FM 3009 or Loop 1604 as alternative routes to bypass the heavy equipment movements on the mainlanes.
US 90 and Downtown Roadworks
In Far West Bexar County, the U.S. Highway 90 expansion project continues between I-410 and SH 211. Construction crews are currently focused on new flyover ramps and intersection improvements at Montgomery Road and Hunt Lane. Meanwhile, in the downtown core, South Alamo Street rehabilitation is ongoing. Although utility issues have caused previous delays, the project is currently on track for substantial completion by June. Expect minor signal delays and temporary lane shifts near the Zona Cultural and South Alamo areas as landscaping and lighting installations continue.
VIA Metropolitan Transit Informational Event
Public transit users should be aware of a specific event occurring today at the Randolph Transit Center. VIA Metropolitan Transit staff will be on-site from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and again from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM to meet with riders. This session is part of a series of public outreach efforts regarding the major service improvements planned for May 4, 2026. This is a key opportunity for Northeast Side commuters to learn about upcoming route realignments and frequency adjustments on 21 different bus lines before they are finalized.