The I-35 North East Expansion (NEX) project in San Antonio was intended to modernize one of Texas’s most congested corridors. But after more than a year of ongoing construction, the $3 billion effort has become a source of mounting frustration for daily commuters and local residents.
According to a February 2024 report, the project has seen more than 100 instances of lane closures running beyond their scheduled times from February 2024 to February 2025. These repeated overruns have caused severe traffic bottlenecks, disrupted travel plans, and triggered widespread public criticism.
What Is the I-35 NEX Project?
Spearheaded by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), the I-35 NEX project is one of the largest infrastructure investments in the region. The plan includes adding elevated lanes, modernizing interchanges, and improving access points across Bexar and Guadalupe counties.
The goal is to accommodate the region’s rapid population growth and alleviate congestion on a highway that serves more than 200,000 vehicles daily. Once complete, the expansion is expected to significantly reduce travel time and improve safety for all users.
Why Are There Delays?
While TxDOT anticipated some disruption, the scope and frequency of unexpected lane closures have caught many off guard. Contractors are contractually penalized for failing to clear lanes on time, but enforcement has reportedly been inconsistent.
TxDOT attributes many of the delays to factors such as:
- Unpredictable weather conditions
- Equipment malfunctions
- Labor shortages and supply chain issues
Still, local residents argue that these explanations fall short of addressing the broader issue: a lack of transparency and accountability in the project’s oversight.
The Cost to Commuters
For San Antonio drivers, the real-world impact is clear. Commuters traveling between downtown and the city’s northeast corridor report significantly longer travel times, missed appointments, and heightened stress.
“It’s not just the delays—it’s that we don’t know when they’ll happen,” said Maria Gutierrez, a daily I-35 commuter. “Sometimes you get on the road expecting a normal drive and end up stuck for an hour. There needs to be better communication.”
Local businesses are also feeling the strain. Delivery drivers, service technicians, and customer-facing professionals all rely on predictable traffic flow, and the inconsistent closures have disrupted day-to-day operations.
Calls for Greater Oversight
Community groups and local officials are now pressing TxDOT for more stringent enforcement and real-time communication tools to help commuters plan better.
Some proposed solutions include:
- Improved public notification systems for lane closures
- Independent project audits
- Greater use of traffic monitoring technologies
A spokesperson for TxDOT said the department is “reviewing internal procedures” and is committed to improving project transparency.
What Comes Next?
Despite the current challenges, TxDOT remains optimistic about the project’s long-term benefits. Completion is still slated for 2027, and officials stress that once finished, the corridor will be better equipped to handle the city’s continued growth.
For now, though, drivers can expect intermittent disruptions and are encouraged to check online resources and mobile apps for the latest updates on lane closures.
Conclusion
The I-35 NEX project is a critical investment in San Antonio’s future, but its execution highlights the importance of effective project management and public trust. With clearer communication and stricter oversight, the city can move closer to a smoother, safer, and more reliable transportation network.
