San Antonio plans Marbach Road safety changes near John Jay High after teen’s fatal crosswalk crash

Planned upgrades target a corridor long flagged for pedestrian and traffic-safety concerns

San Antonio officials are preparing near-term safety changes on Marbach Road outside John Jay High School, months after 16-year-old student Jose Flores III died from injuries sustained in a September 2025 crash while crossing in a marked crosswalk.

Flores was struck on Sept. 16, 2025, in the 7700 block of Marbach Road near the campus. He remained hospitalized for several weeks and was pronounced dead in October 2025. San Antonio police reported the driver remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators, and authorities said the driver was not facing charges.

What the city says is planned now

At a community meeting held Thursday, city leaders outlined a package of immediate steps focused on the crossing where the crash occurred and on traffic conditions that can reduce sightlines and increase risk during student arrival, lunch periods and dismissal.

• A pedestrian-activated flashing warning device at the crosswalk where Flores was struck.
• Evaluation of whether the posted speed limit should be reduced, or whether school-zone speed restrictions should apply for longer hours.
• A review of school pickup and traffic backups that can create visibility conflicts and unpredictable vehicle movements.

Officials also described a longer-range possibility of adding a permanent traffic signal, contingent on the results of ongoing study work and standard traffic-control criteria.

How a push-button beacon typically functions

San Antonio commonly uses pedestrian-activated beacons to increase driver awareness at crosswalks. These overhead signals are designed to remain dark until activated by a person pushing a button, then display flashing and solid phases intended to prompt drivers to slow and stop while pedestrians cross. City guidance notes that overhead installations are generally required on roadways with multiple lanes in each direction, reflecting the higher complexity of crossings on wider streets.

Broader corridor review underway

Following Flores’ death, the City Council member representing District 6 requested an interdepartmental traffic study of Marbach Road from Loop 410 to Pinn Road, with coordination that includes Northside ISD. The stated focus includes near-term measures such as school-zone operations during high school lunch hours, identification of safer student walking routes, and interim improvements while longer-term designs are developed.

Community discussion has centered on pedestrian safety, enforcement expectations, and how quickly near-term changes can be delivered while larger design decisions remain in progress.

Separate bond-funded work also scheduled in the area

In addition to the school-area safety actions, the city has a bond project for Marbach-area streets and drainage between Loop 410 and Horal Drive. The project scope includes roadway and drainage improvements that can incorporate sidewalks, curbs and related street elements within available funding. City planning materials list the construction window as winter 2026 through winter 2029.

Flores’ family has continued to seek answers about the investigation and has asked witnesses to come forward. City leaders said they are working to arrange follow-up conversations with police leadership to address the family’s concerns.