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The 5 Essential Things San Antonio Drivers MUST Know About Loop 1604 Closures Right Now

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San Antonio drivers navigating the ever-changing landscape of the Loop 1604 North Expansion Project face daily uncertainty, but the latest updates are crucial for planning your commute. As of today, December 22, 2025, TxDOT has announced a significant, temporary reprieve from the major full-mainlane weekend closures that have defined construction for much of the year. This holiday break offers a critical window of smoother travel, but the massive $1.4 billion project continues its long-term work in Bexar County, promising a vastly improved, though still distant, future for mobility on the city's North Side.

Understanding the full scope of the Loop 1604 road closures is the key to avoiding frustrating delays. The project is one of the largest transportation initiatives in Texas, stretching 23 miles and involving complex construction that requires continuous, rolling closures of mainlanes, frontage roads, and various interchange ramps. Whether you commute daily or only use the loop for weekend errands, these five essential points will keep you informed and help you navigate the construction zone effectively.

1. The Current Holiday Closure Reprieve (December 2025 - January 2026)

The most important and current information for San Antonio commuters is the temporary pause on major construction. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has scheduled a significant holiday relief period, which is already underway.

  • No Planned Major Closures: There are no planned full-mainlane or major weekend closures on Loop 1604 from Friday, December 19, 2025, through Sunday, January 4, 2026.
  • What Remains: Only long-term, pre-existing closures (like certain frontage road sections or permanent ramp re-alignments) will remain in place.
  • Emergency Exception: Drivers should always be aware that emergency closures may still take place as determined necessary by the project managers for safety or unforeseen construction issues.
  • Return to Work: The heavy weekend construction schedule is expected to resume immediately after the holiday moratorium ends in early January 2026.

This holiday break is a welcome relief for drivers who have had to contend with major closures, such as the full shutdown of Loop 1604 mainlanes at the I-10 interchange that occurred earlier in December 2025.

2. Project Scope: Why the $1.4 Billion Expansion is Necessary

The constant closures are a direct result of the sheer scale of the Loop 1604 North Expansion Project, a massive undertaking designed to alleviate crippling congestion on one of San Antonio’s most heavily traveled corridors.

The Problem and The Solution

The existing Loop 1604 highway was originally built to handle far less traffic than it currently receives, leading to severe bottlenecks and frustratingly long travel times, particularly during peak hours.

  • Expansion Goal: The project will expand 23 miles of Loop 1604 from State Highway 16 (SH 16) to Interstate 35 (I-35).
  • Lane Increase: The highway will be expanded from its current two general-purpose lanes in each direction to five non-tolled lanes in each direction, including two new high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes.
  • Key Interchange Upgrade: The most complex part of the project is the creation of a fully directional, five-level interchange at the critical junction of I-10 and Loop 1604, replacing the outdated cloverleaf ramps.

This transformative project falls under the Texas Clear Lanes initiative, an effort by TxDOT to address the state's most congested roadways. The goal is simple: to improve mobility, ease congestion, and enhance safety along the corridor.

3. Navigating Detours: Your Guide to Full Mainlane Closures

When the major weekend and weeknight closures inevitably return, knowing the standard detour procedure is essential. Full mainlane closures are typically scheduled from 9 p.m. on Friday until 5 a.m. on Monday, or late at night on weeknights for bridge work and beam setting.

The Standard Detour Protocol

For almost all full mainlane closures, TxDOT utilizes a consistent and predictable detour route that keeps traffic moving, albeit at a slower pace. The general principle is to divert traffic off the main highway and onto the adjacent frontage road.

  • Exit Before the Closure: Drivers on the mainlanes must take the exit ramp immediately preceding the closed section.
  • Use the Frontage Road: Traffic is routed onto the frontage road, which acts as the temporary main highway.
  • Re-Enter After the Closure: Drivers can re-enter the mainlanes at the next available entrance ramp immediately following the construction zone.

For example, during a westbound Loop 1604 mainlane closure near the I-10 interchange, traffic is typically instructed to exit via the Lockhill Selma Road exit and then follow the Loop 1604 frontage road before re-entering the mainlanes. Similarly, for I-10 eastbound closures near 1604, drivers exit after La Cantera Parkway and use the frontage road.

Always check the TxDOT San Antonio traffic website or local news for specific closure details, as detour points can change depending on whether the closure is near Bandera Road, Hausman Road, or Nacogdoches Road.

4. The Project’s Timeline: When Will the Construction End?

The Loop 1604 North Expansion is a long-term commitment, broken into six separate construction segments to manage the complexity and cost. Understanding the timeline helps set realistic expectations for the end of the constant roadwork.

The overall completion of the entire 23-mile corridor is currently projected for 2028.

Key Segment Milestones

While the overall project is years away from completion, drivers can look forward to relief on specific segments much sooner:

  • I-10 Interchange (Segment 2): This critical segment, which includes the complex five-level interchange, is on schedule to be substantially complete by 2027.
  • First Flyover Ramps: The first new flyover ramp at the I-10/Loop 1604 interchange was anticipated to open by the end of 2024, providing an early taste of improved traffic flow.
  • Segments 1-4: These segments, stretching across the Northwest and North sides, are currently under construction, with Segment 1 nearing 90% completion.
  • Future Segments: Segments 5 (Redland to Judson Rd) and 6 (Judson Rd to I-35) are scheduled to begin construction later in the project timeline, with completion also targeted for 2028.

5. Essential Tips for a Stress-Free 1604 Commute

Dealing with the 1604 closures requires preparation and patience. Adopting a proactive approach can save you significant time and stress while navigating the North Bexar County area.

  • Check Before You Leave: Always check the official TxDOT San Antonio traffic website or a reliable traffic app (like Waze or Google Maps) for the latest closures and live updates before starting your journey. Closures are often announced just a few days in advance.
  • Allow Buffer Time: Assume your travel time will be longer, especially during peak commuter hours or on weekend nights. Detours onto frontage roads can add 15-30 minutes to a trip.
  • Master the Frontage Roads: Become familiar with the frontage road system. Since the mainlanes often close, the frontage roads are your lifeline. Knowing where to exit and re-enter is crucial for maintaining speed.
  • Utilize Alternative Routes: Consider using major parallel roads like Wurzbach Parkway, FM 1560, or even taking a longer route via Loop 410 or I-35 to avoid the core construction zone entirely, particularly on weekend nights when full mainlane closures are active.
  • Stay Alert: Construction zones are dynamic. Speed limits are reduced, and lane shifts happen frequently. Pay close attention to signage and construction workers to ensure safety. The long-term goal of reduced congestion and improved mobility is worth the current inconvenience.
The 5 Essential Things San Antonio Drivers MUST Know About Loop 1604 Closures Right Now
1604 road closures san antonio
1604 road closures san antonio

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