TxDOT projects save San Antonio drivers time and money

SAN ANTONIO – Despite more drivers on the road, TxDOT projects have helped reduce traffic delays and ease commutes across the San Antonio region according to a new report from the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI).

The TTI analysis of the Top 100 Congested Roadways found that the number of miles traveled in the San Antonio area increased by 14% in the last 10 years. However, traffic delays in the region decreased by 21% in that same period. The study also found commuters are saving an estimated $278 million in time and fuel costs thanks to key infrastructure improvements.

TxDOT has $5.6 billion in projects under construction in the San Antonio region. Many of these are funded through Texas Clear Lanes, an initiative started by Gov. Greg Abbott to reduce congestion in the state’s most populated areas. These projects are designed to improve safety, increase connectivity and provide congestion relief to areas that need it most.

“We’re making enormous strides to tackle congestion in the fastest growing city in the nation,” Texas Transportation Commission Chairman J. Bruce Bugg, Jr. said. “In San Antonio, we’ve delivered $879 million of Texas Clear Lanes projects that are significantly reducing congestion and giving drivers back time to spend with family and friends to help improve people’s quality of life.”

As of 2023, six projects were complete as part of the Texas Clear Lanes initiative, including the US 281 North Expansion. Once the most congested corridor in San Antonio, US 281 in north Bexar County is now #2084 on the Top 100 Congested Road Segments. Thanks to projects like this in the area, San Antonio commuters are saving nearly $350 every year.

The findings, based on TTI’s annual report, show that enhancements to infrastructure are helping to manage congestion as traffic demand grows.

“The investments we have made on US 281 have provided tangible benefits for San Antonio drivers,” TxDOT San Antonio District Engineer Charles Benavidez, P.E. said. “And I’m excited to see the same success and congestion relief as we deliver three more key projects in the coming year.”

TxDOT continues to make progress on delivering infrastructure that will ease traffic congestion. Nearly $4 billion in Texas Clear Lanes projects are under construction on the heavily traveled corridors of I-35, I-10 and Loop 1604. Three of the projects are on schedule to be complete in 2025. The table below highlights the Texas Clear Lanes projects currently under construction.