The 1604 boondoggle. (Laredo: light rail, money, driver)

[txtea]

Originally Posted by Need4Camaro

I couldn't help but notice that 1604 on the South Side is also widening in sections, mainly between 281 just east of I-37. Will that also be a freeway?

They really haven't widened anything in that stretch of 1604, just made some improvements and repairs. More businesses are popping up around 37 and 1604, and there is quite a bit of traffic at times. Eventually they will widen and improve it, once more people move to that area. There are subdivisions springing up along 1604 from hwy. 90 to 37 and beyond, so it's only a matter of time.

[yukon]

1604 traffic sucks. Seems like another loop and some more connector roads between the loops might be a better use of highway dollars. Fortunately I can avoid 1604 most of the time.

[txbullsfan]

Traffic will only get worse as people from around the country flock here because of low cost of living, low housing and food costs, jobs etc.

The typical projection for highway preparation and planning is only 20 years out.

My hope is that there is an ordinance somewhere that says commercial (businesses) and residential (houses) are not allowed to be built / have property / a parking lot so close to a major highway or any major roadway so that future expansion past a point is not possible. Maybe say, no closer then a couple hundred feet (or more) on either side of a highway / major non highway roadway. If not one already I hope San Antonio leadership creates an ordinance. As it stands now, businesses and some residential was built to close to major highways and major non highway streets and there is just no way for desperately needed road expansion. Take Culebra, Bandera, Stone Oak etc for examples

[GoodTXDriver]

Typical SA fashion on slow to adapt or the “mañana” mentality. By the time anything is done, it will need to be redone.

[TXStrat]

Lot of negativity and nay saying, however, the HOV lanes, and extra general purpose lane on I-10 from 1604 to Ralph Fair Rd. have made a huge difference. No backups at all, in either direction during rush hours.

The 1604 project, while painful, will relieve one of the most congested roadways in San Antonio. Don't like it? Don't move to the west, north west, or north sides. If you're already there, be patient, it will get better.

I've been dealing with construction on I-10 for over a decade, and will be dealing with it for at least three more years as the 2 additional lanes are eventually extended from their current terminus just west of Ralph Fair to SH-46 in Boerne, but it's been worth the wait.

[GoodTXDriver]

Originally Posted by TXStrat

I've been dealing with construction on I-10 for over a decade, and will be dealing with it for at least three more years as the 2 additional lanes are eventually extended from their current terminus just west of Ralph Fair to SH-46 in Boerne, but it's been worth the wait.

Exactly my point, SA moves really slow compared to other Metros like D/FW in Texas. Things move so quickly up there and makes anything in SA a joke. There is a lot more $$$ and influence (hint: movers and shakers) up in north Texas so it makes sense that funding is being dumped up there.

[Marty Janetty]

Originally Posted by GoodTXDriver

Exactly my point, SA moves really slow compared to other Metros like D/FW in Texas. Things move so quickly up there and makes anything in SA a joke. There is a lot more $$$ and influence (hint: movers and shakers) up in north Texas so it makes sense that funding is being dumped up there.

I really don't understand why anyone with options would willingly stay living in San Antonio.

[txbullsfan]

Originally Posted by Marty Janetty

I really don't understand why anyone with options would willingly stay living in San Antonio.

There are a number of positive things about San Antonio

[rynetwo]

Originally Posted by GoodTXDriver

Exactly my point, SA moves really slow compared to other Metros like D/FW in Texas. Things move so quickly up there and makes anything in SA a joke. There is a lot more $$$ and influence (hint: movers and shakers) up in north Texas so it makes sense that funding is being dumped up there.

If that is the case then why is the traffic up there WAY worse even with their light rail? They are growing faster so they get more money because they have more need.

Don’t make a complex problem into simple favoritism of your preconceived notions.

[rynetwo]

Originally Posted by Marty Janetty

I really don't understand why anyone with options would willingly stay living in San Antonio.

The city adds almost half a million people each decade so there are more people who like than don’t. In fact, Austin and San Antonio add more people on a percentage basis through domestic migration than DFW and Houston.