Loop 410 is Driving me crazy!
So anyone that lives in San Antonio most likely uses loop 410 at some point during the week. Whether it’s going to work, going to North Star mall or the Airport, chances are, you will need to use Loop 410.
Loop 410, also know as Connally Loop, is about a 50 mile long inner loop highway in San Antonio, Texas. Being the inner loop of San Antonio, it serves as a the connector to other major highways such as I10, 281 and I35. It is an extremely busy highway, averaging close to 200,000 vehicles per day (according to San Antonio Freeway system).
As you already know, there is major construction going on Loop 410. Lanes are blocked off and shoulders are cut off and replaced with barriers. It is really unsafe and difficult to drive on especially driving next to 18 wheelers. If there is an accident, with no shoulder, 2 lanes can be blocked off, leaving you with 1 or 2 lanes open. This is particularly annoying during traffic peak times.
So what is going on Loop 410 and when will it be completed? TxDOT started a seven-year, $483 million program to widen Loop 410 to 10 lanes from Culebra to I-35 North, the largest highway expansion program in San Antonio’s history. Other interchanges are included in this program but Loop 410 is the primary focus.
According to http://texhwyman.com, I found the following information. Culebra to Ingram started in Mar 2004 and should completed in Spring 2007. Ingram to Callaghan started Dec 2005 and should be completed late 2009. Blanco Rd. to McCullough (Airport Area) started June 2004 and should be completed early 2007. Nacogdoches Rd. to Austin Hwy should be starting Mid 2006 (I haven’t noticed anything yet, unless I am missing something). So it appears that the major sections won’t be completed until mid to end of 2007 so the frustration on 410 will continue for a bit longer unfortunately.
The good thing is that once completed, 410 will be expanded to 10 lanes, 4 more than what we currently have! And we are closer to the end of the project than we are the beginning. Just be careful out there and be patient! It will be over soon.