SAN ANTONIO, TX, On Saturday, February 21, 2026, a significant traffic shift began in downtown San Antonio as the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) initiated a long‑planned closure of the southbound lower level of Interstate 35 (I‑35) near the Pearl District. The closure, which will last approximately one month, is part of an expansive $25.9 million infrastructure improvement project aimed at repairing deteriorated bridge joints and enhancing safety along one of the city’s busiest corridors.
The affected stretch runs between Interstate 37 and Interstate 10, a key section that handles heavy commuter and commercial traffic daily. While the lower‑level southbound lanes are closed, authorities emphasized that upper‑level lanes remain open to maintain movement through the area. TxDOT is urging motorists to plan ahead, explore alternate routes, and expect travel delays, particularly during peak travel times.
Context and Aims of the Project
The closure is part of the broader I‑35 and I‑10 Downtown Repair Project, a multi‑phase initiative focusing on the repair and replacement of aging infrastructure components. These repairs, especially to bridge joints and support structures, are designed to extend the service life of critical roadways and improve both safety and traffic reliability for residents and freight movement alike.
I‑35 serves as a major economic artery for San Antonio and the broader South Texas region, linking the city with other major metro areas like Austin and Laredo and facilitating the movement of goods between Mexico and the U.S. interior. This makes the road not just vital for commuters, but also for regional commerce and trade logistics. Because of this, TxDOT officials emphasized the importance of timely maintenance to prevent more severe disruptions in the future.
Impact on Commuters, Businesses, and Surrounding Communities
The closure is expected to affect commuters and freight transport significantly over the next several weeks. Here are the key anticipated impacts:
- Increased congestion on alternative routes as drivers divert around the closed section.
- Potential delays for delivery and logistics operations, especially for trucks that frequently use the lower level of I‑35.
- Local business concerns, particularly those near the closure zone who rely on steady customer access, may see changes in foot traffic and sales patterns.
TxDOT has advised commuters to use traffic apps, plan travel outside peak hours where possible, and consider alternate highways such as U.S. 281 or Loop 410 to ease congestion. In addition, crews will be working throughout the closure period to expedite repairs while maintaining safe conditions for essential travel.
Public Safety and Construction Coordination
To coordinate traffic and safety, TxDOT is working with local law enforcement and city transportation officials. Together, they are monitoring traffic patterns in real time and adjusting signal timing on surface streets to alleviate pressure on alternate routes. Signage and public alerts are being deployed across radio, digital billboards, and social media platforms to keep the community informed.
These efforts are part of a long‑term approach by TxDOT to handle Texas’s growing infrastructure needs as the state continues to expand both its population and economic output. In recent years, TxDOT has increasingly focused on proactive maintenance and safety upgrades in response to higher traffic volumes and wear on older highway segments statewide.
Economic and Community Significance
The closure of this downtown segment of I‑35 comes at a time when Texas is experiencing continued infrastructure demand, partially driven by rapid population growth and economic activity across major metros. According to state planners and transportation analysts, managing these needs, including maintenance and modernization of existing roadways, is crucial not only for quality of life but also for supporting business investment and commuter mobility.
By prioritizing safety improvements and addressing aging infrastructure, the state aims to reduce long‑term disruptions, improve traffic flow, and support economic competitiveness. That focus aligns with other ongoing transportation initiatives statewide that seek to balance capacity expansion with essential repairs of existing networks.
Looking Ahead
The current phase of this repair project is set to continue through mid‑March, but TxDOT officials anticipate that traffic impacts will ease as work progresses. Travelers are encouraged to stay updated on lane closures and progress through TxDOT’s online traffic portal and local news outlets.
For now, the I‑35 closure represents a tangible reminder of the infrastructure challenges facing growing Texas cities, and the efforts underway to keep roads safe and functional for all Texans and the businesses that depend on them.
