Elevated Ramp Takes Shape in San Antonio’s $3.5B I-35 Expansion
The latest I-35 NEX progress update shows the connection being built between future elevated southbound lanes and I-410 South.
A ramp connecting future elevated southbound I-35 lanes to I-410 South is taking shape in San Antonio. TxDOT’s October 5 progress update puts the focus on a physical connection within the broader I-35 Northeast Expansion, rather than the launch of an entirely new highway project.
Current reporting describes the program at approximately $3.5 billion, with four construction phases active and the wider buildout extending toward 2032. Those program-level figures should not be confused with the price or completion date of this individual ramp.
Project at a Glance
- Program:
- I-35 Northeast Expansion
- Corridor:
- Approximately 20 miles
- Limits:
- N. Walters Street to FM 1103
- Latest milestone:
- Elevated-lane connector under construction
How the elevated lanes fit the corridor
TxDOT’s project overview covers roughly 20 miles between N. Walters Street and FM 1103 through Bexar, Comal and Guadalupe counties. The planned elevated structures carry two general-purpose lanes and an HOV lane in each direction, positioned between the existing mainlanes and frontage roads.
That configuration separates some through traffic from the existing roadway. It also requires carefully positioned entry, exit and interchange connections. The ramp now highlighted is one of those interfaces; constructing the elevated deck alone would not create a usable through route.
Several delivery schedules, one program
The agency’s published background records construction starting on NEX Central in June 2022 and South Phase 1 in summer 2024. It gives late 2027 and late 2028 targets for those respective packages. The latest corridor update describes later phases progressing as well, so older overview text is not being used here as a current count of active contracts.
The distinction between package completion and program completion matters for both drivers and suppliers. One section may reach service while adjoining connections remain under construction. Likewise, a headline end date for the entire corridor does not establish how long a particular work zone will remain in place.
Why this milestone matters
TCH’s assessment is that interchange progress provides a more useful construction signal than repeating the overall investment figure. These connections bring together different elevations, traffic movements and work areas while the existing highway continues to serve users.
Future updates should distinguish structural completion, pavement and barrier work, testing and actual opening to traffic. The current ramp milestone demonstrates construction progress; it does not establish an opening date for the elevated system. Confirmed traffic changes and package-specific notices remain the records to watch.