05.16.2024

Today’s Forecast

🚧 More I-35 construction ahead

TxDOT announces $700 million project along San Antonio’s I-35 corridor

SATXtoday: I-35 NEX construction San Antonio

TxDOT crews rebarring the bridge over the I-35 and I-410 interchange as part of the I-35 NEX project. | Photo by TxDOT

Since there isn’t enough construction work happening at the 1604 and I-10 interchange on the city’s northside, get ready to see more lanes in the works on your commute if you travel along I-35.

This week, TxDOT announced a new construction project called the I-35 NEX (Northeast Expansion) South Project, covering four miles of roadways in the Alamo City that will offer much needed improvements. The price tag? $700 million. Let’s break it all down.

What’s coming?

Part of the I-35 NEX project, this construction work aims to:

Improve safety + mobility
Address increased traffic along I-35
Reduce travel time
Maintain existing roadbeds

SATXtoday: I-35 NEX Program map — Map of the newly announced I-35 NEX south project on San Antonio’s eastside at I-35 and Loop 410.
|
Screenshot via TxDOT

Texas Transportation Commission Chairman J. Bruce Bugg Jr. says, “This project will elevate and reduce the congestion in the city of San Antonio.”

San Antonio drivers can expect to see three new elevated lanes — two main lanes and one HOV lane — in each direction. This is limited to I-35, the Loop 410 South interchange to I-35, and the Loop 410 North interchange along Interstate 35.

The elevated lanes on I-35 will provide a direct connection to Loop 410 South at the I-35/Loops 410 South interchange.

Project funding

Funds from Texas Clear Lanes, a $75 billion program that focuses on congestion relief in five major metropolitan areas (Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio), planned to be used on this multi-year construction project.

This second I-35 NEX Project is expected to be completed by 2028. Stay up to date on the latest TxDOT happenings by viewing the state’s Project Tracker or following its Facebook page.

Asked

How often do you use the HOV lanes around San Antonio?

A. Any chance I get
B. Every once in awhile
C. Never
D. We have HOV lanes?

Cruise through our poll

Events

Thursday, May 16

Pageant | Thursday, May 16 | 7 p.m. | Fitzgerald’s Bar, 437 McCarty Ste. 101, San Antonio | $15 | Listen to a night of live music by this blues-influenced, glam rock band, based in High Point, NC featuring Street Lamp, Ratchet Dolls, and Brisbane.
La Flaca Calaca: Solo Show y Art Gallery Exhibition | Thursday, May 16 | 7-10 p.m. | Brick, 108 Blue Star, San Antonio | $0-$25 | Witness a one woman show, view artwork, and grab a seat for a multi-media performance.
28th Annual Zoo-La-La! A Taste of San Antonio | Thursday, May 16 | 7-10:30 p.m. | San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. Saint Mary’s St., San Antonio | $132-$289 | Delight your tastebuds at this 21+ event featuring 50 Alamo City eateries.

Friday, May 17

Bike to Work Day | Friday, May 17 | 8-10 a.m. | Overland Partners, 203 E. Jones Ave., San Antonio | Free | Join USGBC Texas’ South Region and other local partners to promote sustainable alternative modes of transportation and get a free breakfast.
We Live Here | Friday, May 17 | 7-8:30 p.m. | The Rec, 1212 N. Gevers St., San Antonio | Free | Join The Light Catchers Society for a student art showcase featuring end-of-the-year photography projects.
Y’ALL SING! | Friday, May 17 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Mercury Project, 538 Roosevelt Ave., San Antonio | $11-$33 | Drop in to this local choir to sing and meet new people.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Seasonal

Experience an unforgettable summer at the YMCA

Beat the summer heat at one of the Y’s splash pads or pools. | Photo courtesy of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio

Summer fun is heating up at the Y.

Did you know? All Greater San Antonio YMCA’s offer free family summer programs every weekend, so you don’t have to break the bank to have fun.

Join the Y this month with a Family or Duo membership and receive a free Parents’ Night/Day Out session + a December membership rebate. Plus, celebrate Memorial Day Weekend with open outdoor pools and splash pads.

Your ultimate summer adventure starts at the Y.

Become a member

News Notes

Announced

SAT + American Airlines are pursuing nonstop service from SA to Washington, D.C. Yesterday, five new round trip flights at Reagan National Airport were authorized through the passage of the Federal Aviation Administration bill. American Airlines plans to submit an application to initiate service from SAT to DCA.

Number

$12 million. That’s how much the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo plans to invest to develop youth education programs across Texas. The money will assist a variety of initiatives including educational scholarships, vocational training, and agricultural projects for 20,000+ young people. (KSAT 12)

Eat

Künstler Brewing is bringing back its brunch special for one day only on Sunday, May 19, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Your ticket features a family style all-you-can-eat menu that includes Mini Duck Fat Donuts, Deviled Eggs, Künstler Hash, and five other options. Buy your tickets online or at the door.

Closing

Red Lobster announced the closing of 80+ of its restaurant locations nation wide, including one San Antonio location off I-35 near South Park Mall. The sign on the doors states the spot is temporarily closed and the same appears on Google. No other local Red Lobster locations are currently effected. (KENS 5)

Community

The Texas Fashion Industry (TFII) is looking for vendors to join its Summer Stylist Showdown fundraiser at Pick’s Bar on Saturday, May 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. At the event, stylists will compete for a $250 cash prize, two tickets to Texas Fashion Week, and a one year TFII membership. Tickets are $25.

Arts

Centro San Antonio is inviting the public to join the fourth anniversary of its Art Everywhere Project on Tuesday, May 21, from 6 to 8 p.m. at 337 W. Commerce. Come see the free installation of over 165 works created by local artists including the 100th Anniversary Girl Scout mural on West Commerce Street. The show runs through June.

Sports

How will quarter CJ Stroud improve after last year’s rookie season? Get the latest news, analysis, and insider information for the Houston Texans with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.

Job

Community health workers help people and our community achieve whole health + wellbeing. Metro Health connects applicants with resources to be trained for this one-of-a-kind workforce. More than a job, start a career in public health as a community health worker and make a difference in San Antonio — learn more.*

Drink

🍹 Rooftop sippin’

New rooftop bar, Lunatique, opens in the Creamery District

Lunatique is San Antonio’s newest bar to open in the Creamery District near the Historic Pearl. | Photo by Lunatique

Is exploring rooftop bars on your summer bucket list? If so, you’ll want to pencil in a trip with your friends to Lunatique. From the owners of Only 1 Hospitality — you may have heard of its coffee concept Crème - Coffee & Social or eaten at its seafood restaurant Hook Land & Sea— comes a new rooftop garden just above Amelia Social Lounge.

Nestled atop a historic building in the Creamery District, guests can enjoy sophisticated fun with breath-taking views of downtown San Antonio, while sipping on refreshing cocktails and snapping Instagram-worthy photos.

Some of the drink menu items include specialty cocktails like the Cucumber Collins, an array of wine + beer, and a peculiar item called Trees — featuring 10 specialty cocktails (choose from Aperol Spritz or Lunatique Daiquiris) for $100. Check out the full menu.

Know before you go

The Buy

The Buy 5.16.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

Lululemon’s fan-favorite running shorts in newly dropped colors. The Hotty Hot shorts have a built-in liner for secure coverage, and they still feel light as air.

Answered

How do you cool off from the South Texas heat during the summer?

An adult sits in the back of a double tube and a kid sits in the front, both with their hands in the air, as w lifeguard begins pushing the tube down a water slide. — Spend the day on the water slides at the River Bluff Water Experience located at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa. | Photo by JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa

50% stay inside | 22.2% visit lakes, rivers, and oceans | 22.2% hang out poolside | 5.6% take a trip to a water park

16 ways to cool off in San Antonio

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Adriana

From the editor

I’m not sure about y’all, but this highway construction is such a headache, especially commuting around town on the weekends. However, I can’t wait to see those elevated northbound and southbound lanes along I-35.

I think this is going to help with the congestion, getting around town, and for those heading up to Austin — I’m overdue for a trip to the SKIMS store.

Missed our previous newsletter?

›

Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback

Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY