I-35 San Antonio: 15-mile-long elevated structures recommended

[MaxConcrete]

http://www.i35northeast.com/PublicHearing.aspx

PDF with some views
http://www.i35northeast.com/Content/Stations/5/Exhibits-what_would_build_alternative_look_like.pdf

Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnRfzETWzZo&feature=youtu.be

The study covers Interstate 35 in northeast San Antonio, from the south 35/410 interchange to about 20 miles northeast. Recently there was a public meeting to announce the recommended build alternative. No surprise, it was the addition of tolled managed lanes.

But somewhat surprising is that about 15 miles will be built on twin elevated structures between the main lanes and frontage roads. As best as I can determine, this will be by far the longest bridge structure in Texas. San Antonio has always been friendly to elevated freeways, with the long section along I-10 west and another section along I-35 downtown. No cost estimates were provided, and I'm thinking this will cost between $500 million and $1 billion.

[longhorn]

I hope this happens, North San Antonio is growing by leaps and bounds. Its a shame 1604 is still only four lanes. This is exactly what needs to happen in north Austin along I-35, but that's a dream.

[texaskdog]

Would be a mistake to put only two lanes up, they'll just wind up having to build more later.

[Henry]

That's an impressive undertaking they're doing there. Of course, I would've suggested three lanes minimum for the elevated sections, but we'll see how it goes.

[nexus73]

Would be a mistake to put only two lanes up, they'll just wind up having to build more later.

Medford OR is choked along I-5 with two lanes in each direction on their viaduct and they are nowhere close to being the size of San Antonio, which is a major population center.  4 lanes in each direction should be the minimum.  Build it once, build it right.

Rick

[rantanamo]

Looks like the ugly thing they've done to I-35E in Dallas.

[longhorn]

Looks like the ugly thing they've done to I-35E in Dallas.

Much cheaper to elevate than try to sink it.

[codyg1985]

No matter now big it is built now, it will be obsolete in a few decades.