Report says $1.4 billion expansion of San Antonio's 1604 one of most wasteful U.S. highway projects
A new report by a pair of watchdog groups names the proposed $1.36 billion expansion of San Antonio's Loop 1604 as one of the six biggest highway boondoggles in the U.S.
In their sixth annual report on the most wasteful U.S. highway projects, the TexPIRG Education Fund and Frontier Group raise concerns that the state's plan to expand the suburban loop risks environmental damage to the Edwards Aquifer while doing nothing to remedy highway congestion.
The Texas Department of Transportation is reviewing plans to expand a 23-mile stretch of 1604 look between Highway 16 and Interstate 35. The six additional lanes, new frontage roads and five-level interchange would be built over the aquifer's recharge zone. Construction is expected to begin next year.
The report also points out that studies by urban planners show similar expansions in Texas cities haven't kept up with traffic growth. Despite a 2010 project that widened a northern portion of Loop 410, that stretch remains one of the state's most congested highways.
Read more: https://www.sacurrent.com/the-daily/archives/2020/12/08/report-says-14-billion-expansion-of-san-antonios-1604-one-of-most-wasteful-us-highway-projects
Courtesy Image / Texas Department of Transportation
The proposed expansion of 1604 will take place over the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone.
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Just east of I10 after 4 PM
I live only 2 miles from 1604, but if I need to go like to 281 and 1604, (On the northeast side of town), I will drive all the way down Hwy 16 (Bandera Rd), get on 410 and head east, then get off at 281 and head north. It is actually much quicker than being stuck on 1604. Compared to 410, 1604 only has 4 lanes.
