San Antonio, December 4, 2025
Drivers in San Antonio lost 61.9 million hours to traffic congestion, an increase from 2023’s 57.4 million hours. The economic cost is around $1.7 billion, indicating a critical need for infrastructure improvements. Projects such as the U.S. Highway 90 and Loop 1604 expansions are underway to tackle these issues. The city is also focusing on maintaining infrastructure through the Infrastructure Management Program and the Multimodal Transportation Commission, aimed at enhancing mobility and safety for all transportation methods.
San Antonio’s Traffic Congestion: A Growing Concern
San Antonio, Texas – In 2024, drivers in the San Antonio metro area lost a total of 61.9 million hours due to traffic congestion, according to a recent report. This figure represents a significant increase from the 57.4 million hours lost in 2023, highlighting a worsening trend in the city’s traffic conditions. Despite this rise, the current congestion levels remain below those experienced before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Economic Impact
The economic ramifications of this congestion are substantial. The Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s annual Urban Mobility Report estimates that the delays cost the region’s economy approximately $1.7 billion in wasted fuel and lost productivity. This underscores the pressing need for effective solutions to alleviate traffic-related issues in the area.
Ongoing Infrastructure Projects
In response to these challenges, several major infrastructure projects are underway to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion:
- U.S. Highway 90 Expansion: A $500 million project aims to add multiple lanes to U.S. Highway 90 and install a flyover ramp connecting it to Loop 1604. This expansion is expected to accommodate the anticipated increase in daily traffic, projected to grow from 70,000 to 150,000 vehicles over the next two decades. Construction is slated to begin in late 2025 or early 2026.
- Loop 1604 Expansion: The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is undertaking a $1.4 billion expansion of Loop 1604, widening the highway from four to ten lanes between Bandera Road and Interstate 35. The entire project is expected to be completed by 2028, with significant progress already made on various phases.
- Interstate 10 Improvements: TxDOT is committed to enhancing mobility and safety along the heavily traveled I-10 corridor through Guadalupe, Bexar, Kendall, and Kerr Counties. Planned projects include adding and reconstructing main lanes, improving overpasses and interchanges, and upgrading facilities to meet current design standards.
City Initiatives
Beyond large-scale projects, the City of San Antonio is implementing various initiatives to address traffic issues:
- Infrastructure Management Program (IMP): This five-year rolling program focuses on maintaining the city’s infrastructure, including street and sidewalk repairs, drainage maintenance, and traffic signal upgrades. The IMP aims to improve mobility and safety across all modes of travel.
- Multimodal Transportation Commission: Established by the San Antonio City Council, this 13-member advisory body provides input on policies affecting drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. The commission’s creation follows the adoption of several transportation-related policies, including the Bike Network Plan and the Vision Zero Action Plan.
Looking Ahead
While these efforts represent significant steps toward improving San Antonio’s traffic conditions, the city continues to face challenges related to congestion and infrastructure development. Ongoing and future projects aim to address these issues, but residents and commuters may experience temporary disruptions as construction progresses. Staying informed about project timelines and planning alternative routes can help mitigate the impact of these developments on daily travel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the total number of hours lost to traffic congestion in San Antonio in 2024?
In 2024, drivers in the San Antonio metro area lost a total of 61.9 million hours due to traffic congestion.
What is the economic impact of this congestion?
The delays cost the region’s economy approximately $1.7 billion in wasted fuel and lost productivity.
What major infrastructure projects are underway to address these issues?
Several major infrastructure projects are underway, including:
- U.S. Highway 90 Expansion: A $500 million project to add lanes and install a flyover ramp connecting to Loop 1604, with construction beginning in late 2025 or early 2026.
- Loop 1604 Expansion: A $1.4 billion project to widen the highway from four to ten lanes between Bandera Road and Interstate 35, expected to be completed by 2028.
- Interstate 10 Improvements: Projects to add and reconstruct main lanes, improve overpasses and interchanges, and upgrade facilities along the I-10 corridor through Guadalupe, Bexar, Kendall, and Kerr Counties.
What is the Infrastructure Management Program (IMP)?
The IMP is a five-year rolling program focusing on maintaining San Antonio’s infrastructure, including street and sidewalk repairs, drainage maintenance, and traffic signal upgrades, aiming to improve mobility and safety across all modes of travel.
What is the Multimodal Transportation Commission?
Established by the San Antonio City Council, this 13-member advisory body provides input on policies affecting drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users, following the adoption of several transportation-related policies.
Key Features of San Antonio’s Traffic Congestion and Mitigation Efforts
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Total Hours Lost to Congestion in 2024 | 61.9 million hours |
| Economic Impact | $1.7 billion in wasted fuel and lost productivity |
| U.S. Highway 90 Expansion | $500 million project to add lanes and install a flyover ramp, construction beginning in late 2025 or early 2026 |
| Loop 1604 Expansion | $1.4 billion project to widen the highway from four to ten lanes, expected completion by 2028 |
| Interstate 10 Improvements | Projects to add and reconstruct main lanes, improve overpasses and interchanges along the I-10 corridor |
| Infrastructure Management Program (IMP) | Five-year program focusing on maintaining infrastructure, including street and sidewalk repairs, drainage maintenance, and traffic signal upgrades |
| Multimodal Transportation Commission | 13-member advisory body providing input on policies affecting all modes of transportation |
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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.
