BEXAR COUNTY, Texas — Drivers in northwest Bexar County report worsening congestion on FM 1560, where some three-mile trips now take up to 30 minutes as development increases traffic in the area.
Richard, a Bexar County homeowner, told KSAT that a recent drive from Loop 1604 to his home took nearly 30 minutes despite covering only about three miles.
Other drivers said traffic often becomes difficult from lunchtime through the evening. They also reported long waits at traffic lights, problems leaving nearby neighborhoods and drivers cutting into traffic.
“It’s always bad from, like, honestly like lunchtime to nine o’clock at night,” Isaiah Garcia said.
TxDOT said it plans to address the congestion with an expansion project along FM 1560 from Bandera Road to Culebra Road.
The project will cover about five miles and widen the existing two-lane road to four lanes. Plans also include a center turn lane, bike lanes, sidewalks and intersection improvements.
“The FM 1560 Expansion project aims to address increasing traffic demands and improve safety from SH 16 to FM 471,” TxDOT said in a statement.
TxDOT projects traffic volumes in the area will double over the next 20 years.
Utility work has already started in some areas, but TxDOT said drivers should not see major construction until the new year.
Residents said they want road improvements to keep pace with continued development.
“I would hope that with future developments out there in the city, that this is looked at first before you do the development,” Richard said.
Another driver, who said she has lived in the area for 10 years, said congestion has worsened in recent years.
“I’ve been over here 10 years, so the last couple years have really gotten bad,” she said.
