NB I-35 Lane Closures and Key Transit Hearings Highlight Thursday's Commute

Commute Update: NB I-35 Lane Closures and Transit Hearings for Thursday, February 12

As San Antonio residents navigate the Thursday morning rush, several infrastructure projects and transit announcements are shaping the daily commute. While the skyline continues to change with major highway expansions, specifically along the I-35 and Loop 1604 corridors, commuters should be aware of specific lane restrictions and public engagement sessions scheduled for today, February 12, 2026.

Interstate 35: Bridge Work and NEX Progress

The most immediate impact for evening travelers will be on Northbound I-35. The Texas Department of Transportation has scheduled a right-lane closure on NB I-35 over the Frio River starting at 5:00 PM today. This closure is necessary for essential maintenance on bridge joints. Drivers heading toward the downtown area should expect minor bottlenecks as traffic merges into the remaining lanes during the onset of the evening rush hour.

Further north, the I-35 Northeast Expansion (NEX) Central project remains a hive of activity. Crews are currently focused on the elevated lanes between Loop 410 and the Bexar County line. While most of today’s work is contained within the median and existing work zones, intermittent frontage road narrowing near O’Connor Road continues to cause slower-than-usual speeds during peak periods. Those traveling between San Antonio and Austin should also note that major construction delays persist in the Austin district near Lady Bird Lake, though some long-term closures have been briefly postponed until next week.

Loop 1604 and I-10 Interchange

Commuters on the Northwest Side are still adjusting to the significant changes at the Loop 1604 and I-10 interchange. Following the milestone opening of the eighth and final flyover ramp on February 5, traffic flow between westbound Loop 1604 and westbound I-10 has seen notable improvement. However, the project is not yet fully complete. Crews remain on-site today to continue work on lower-level infrastructure and frontage road improvements. Drivers should remain alert for construction vehicles entering and exiting the main lanes near the Rim and the UTSA main campus.

VIA Metropolitan Transit: Service Expansion and Public Feedback

For those utilizing public transportation, VIA Metropolitan Transit is hosting two significant events today. These sessions are part of the agency's effort to gather feedback on further service improvements slated for later this spring.

• Madla Transit Center: Informational pop-up events are scheduled from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and again from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at 1584 Cantrell. Staff will be available to answer questions regarding the historic service expansion implemented in January.
• Stone Oak Park & Ride: A formal public hearing will take place at 5:30 p.m. at 22139 US-281 N. This hearing will focus on proposed service improvements scheduled for May 2026.

Riders are reminded that the Better Bus Plan updates from January 12 are now in full effect, including increased frequencies on 30 routes and extended late-night service until 12:30 a.m. for several key corridors. Commuters are encouraged to utilize the new flyovers to bypass traditional congestion points near the Northwest Side, but should plan for delays on the South Side starting late this afternoon.