I-35 construction to shut down several San Antonio traffic lanes

The stretch of I-35 from Loop 1604 all the way down the Loop 410 is about to look a whole lot different in the coming months and years while the Texas Department of Transportation works on a major revamp, including two sets of raised lanes with direct connections between intersections. However, with progress on major San Antonio highways, of course, comes pesky road closures.

This weekend marks a major one for the heavily traversed interstate. Starting at 9 p.m. Friday, February 9, and running through 5 a.m. Monday morning, the Texas Department of Transportation will be shutting down the frontage road between Toepperwein and Judson roads along I-35. The exit ramp for westbound traffic on that section of highway will also be closed.

Those traveling southwest along the access road will have to hook a right on Toepperwein Road, turn left on Judtoepper way, and take another left onto Judson Road before being able to continue that direction back on the I-35 frontage road. It’s certainly a longer way to do things, but it’s not too confusing as it’s the first turn in each direction you can take.

Those heading southwest on I-35 hoping to head south on Judson Road will have to pass their usual exit at Toepperwein and continue down to a turnaround at O’Connor Road and continue up the access road back to Judson Road.

It’s not just the frontage roads that will see some headache-inducing closures either. According to a statement from the TxDOT, here’s a list of main lane closures taking place this week:

• Three lanes of northbound and southbound traffic on I-35 from FM 3009 to Fm 1518 will be closed every night from 9 p.m. until 5 a.m. until Saturday, February 10.
• Three lanes of northbound traffic will be closed on I-35 from Shin Oak Drive to Forum Parkway for striping, barrier, and temporary pavement work. The closure will be overnight from 9 p.m. until 5 a.m. through Saturday, February 10.
• Another three lanes of northbound traffic will be closed nightly on I-35 from Forum Parkway to Evans Road for drainage work. The closures will also run through Saturday, February 10, from 9 p.m. until 5 a.m.
• Three lanes of I-35 southbound traffic will be closed from Olympia Parkway to Forum Parkway from 9 p.m. through 5 a.m. until Saturday, February 10.

Several exits will be closed along with alternating frontage road lane closures, so drivers are warned to take the next exit and make a turnaround if they find their usual exit is closed for construction. It’s all a headache now, but TxDOT officials say this is all part of regular maintenance and tied to a major overhaul of that stretch of I-35 which should significantly reduce traffic for the San Antonio area’s growing population.