San Antonio’s Infrastructure Pipeline: Major Road, Transit, and Utility Projects Continuing Through 2026

San Antonio and Bexar County are in the midst of one of the most active infrastructure periods in recent years, with major roadway, transit, and utility projects shaping daily travel and neighborhood conditions across the region. Construction zones, traffic shifts, and utility work have become familiar sights, and much of that activity is expected to continue through at least 2026 as agencies respond to sustained population growth and rising regional travel demand.

Roadway construction remains the most visible part of this effort. Along the North Side, work on the Loop 1604 North Expansion continues between Interstate 10 and U.S. Highway 281. The project includes added general-purpose lanes, new managed lanes, reconstructed interchanges, and upgraded frontage roads. Construction has been phased to keep traffic moving, but lane shifts and temporary closures remain part of the daily experience for drivers. Activity along this corridor is expected to remain ongoing through 2026 as additional segments are completed.

Interstate 35 is also undergoing long-term transformation. The I-35 Northeast Expansion, commonly referred to as NEX Central, spans portions of the corridor through central and northeast San Antonio. This multi-year project includes elevated lanes, major interchange reconstruction, and safety improvements aimed at increasing capacity along one of the region’s busiest routes. While the project extends beyond 2026, substantial construction activity is expected to continue over the next several years, affecting commuters who rely on I-35 for daily travel.
Improvements are also underway along Interstate 10, particularly on the Northwest Side of the city. Ongoing work includes interchange upgrades, ramp reconfigurations, and roadway widening designed to improve traffic flow between central San Antonio and rapidly growing suburban areas. These projects are being completed in stages, with construction expected to remain active through 2026.
U.S. Highway 281 north of Loop 1604 is another corridor seeing continued investment. Projects along this route include intersection redesigns, overpass construction, and access management improvements. The goal is to reduce congestion and improve safety along one of San Antonio’s primary north-south travel corridors, particularly as development continues in surrounding areas.

Beyond highways, transit infrastructure is also evolving. VIA Metropolitan Transit is advancing its Advanced Rapid Transit program, including work on the Green Line and Blue Line corridors. These projects involve a mix of dedicated lanes in certain segments, upgraded stations, enhanced traffic signals, and improvements intended to increase service reliability and frequency. Corridor preparation and phased construction are expected to continue through 2026, affecting multiple neighborhoods along the routes.

VIA is also investing in fleet modernization and transit facilities. New vehicles and upgraded maintenance infrastructure are part of a broader effort to support expanded service and improve reliability as demand grows. These investments are designed to complement roadway projects by offering additional mobility options over the long term.

Utility infrastructure work, while less visible than highway construction, is equally extensive. San Antonio Water System continues a large-scale program to replace aging water and sewer mains throughout the city. These projects occur across multiple districts and often require temporary lane reductions or street closures. Pipe replacement and rehabilitation are expected to remain ongoing through 2026 as part of SAWS’ long-term asset management strategy.

SAWS is also upgrading pump stations and water storage facilities to improve system pressure, reliability, and emergency response capabilities. These improvements support both established neighborhoods and new development areas, helping the utility maintain service levels as demand increases.

Long-term water supply remains a central focus as well. SAWS continues to invest in alternative water supply infrastructure, including brackish groundwater facilities and system integration projects. These efforts are intended to strengthen water availability over time and reduce reliance on any single source.

Flood control and drainage improvements are another major component of the region’s infrastructure pipeline. Bexar County and the City of San Antonio are advancing projects in areas with a history of flooding, including channel improvements, detention basins, and stormwater system upgrades. Many of these projects are planned in multi-year phases that extend into 2026, reflecting the scale and complexity of managing drainage across a growing urban area.

For residents and businesses, the cumulative effect of these projects is ongoing construction activity that will remain part of daily life over the next several years. Motorists can expect continued traffic pattern changes, while those near active work zones may experience periodic access disruptions. At the same time, these investments are aimed at addressing long-term mobility, safety, and utility reliability challenges across the region.

Many of the projects underway today represent only portions of larger, long-range plans that extend beyond 2026. Timelines and sequencing continue to evolve based on funding, weather, and construction conditions. For San Antonio residents, understanding where and why this work is happening can help reduce uncertainty and support better day-to-day planning as the city continues to grow.