News Summary
Construction on Military Drive in San Antonio is facing significant delays and escalating costs, frustrating local residents who rely on the roadway. Oversight by Bexar County and Alamo Regional Mobility Authority has failed to address utility challenges and staffing shortages in nearly three years, extending the project timeline and leaving taxpayers concerned about the consequences.
Significant Delays and Rising Expenses Plague San Antonio’s Military Drive Construction
San Antonio is currently undergoing a tumultuous period when it comes to the ongoing construction project on Military Drive. What was initially projected to be a straightforward process has now turned into a saga of delays and cost overruns, frustrating local residents who rely on this vital roadway.
Residents Feeling the Strain
Some neighbors have become vocal about their discontent, particularly over the disruptions the project has caused in their everyday lives. Many are facing tough commutes, with travel times significantly increasing. One local resident shared that trips to a nearby middle school, which used to take 15 minutes, now take a staggering 40 minutes—more than double the time!
When asked, another resident expressed similar feelings of frustration, noting that the construction has dragged on for nearly three years. Initially, work kicked off in November 2022 with the expectation that it would wrap up by March 2024. Fast forward to today, and that timeline now seems like a distant goal.
Who’s Behind This Project?
The project is overseen by two entities: Bexar County and the Alamo Regional Mobility Authority (RMA). Many residents have been left scratching their heads, wondering why these entities haven’t been able to meet their targets. Officials have pointed to utility challenges as one of the main culprits behind the delays. Issues with the San Antonio Water System (SAWS) and CPS Energy have created unexpected hurdles, leading to rising costs.
Cost Overruns and Complications
In fact, the project has seen an additional $640,000 in unanticipated expenses, pushing the total project cost to a whopping $9.3 million. Interestingly, taxpayers will not be footing the bill for these extra costs; instead, they will be absorbed by SAWS and CPS Energy, both owned by the City of San Antonio.
Environmental Hurdles Add to the Frustration
Moreover, the discovery of caves during the construction process has also raised eyebrows, necessitating environmental reviews and safety tests for sinkholes. As if all that wasn’t enough, a tragic incident in 2023 claimed the life of a construction worker on-site, prompting an investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Slow Progress on Site
Residents have also taken note of the slow progress on the site. Many days, the construction area appears nearly deserted, with very few workers to be seen. Bexar County has acknowledged the contractor, Harper Brothers Construction, is experiencing staffing shortages and has had to send workers to other projects.
Efforts to Speed Things Up
Acknowledging the community’s growing dissatisfaction, the county is currently in discussions with the contractor’s leadership to find ways to speed up the completion of the project. As it stands, the revised timeline states that the project should be completed by late next month. However, residents remain skeptical, worried that this is yet another promise that may not be kept.
Looking Ahead
With rising costs, ongoing delays, and a growing gap between what is being spent and the progress being made, residents of San Antonio are understandably uneasy about the future of the Military Drive construction project. As they continue to navigate detours and extended travel times, it remains to be seen whether the end is truly in sight for this lengthy construction venture.
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Additional Resources
- KENS 5 San Antonio
- Wikipedia: Construction
- News 4 San Antonio
- Google Search: US Highway 281 construction
- San Antonio Express-News
- Google Scholar: Traffic congestion studies
- KENS 5 San Antonio
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Antonio road construction
- FOX San Antonio
- Google News: San Antonio traffic updates
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
