San Antonio Residents Brace for Major I-35 Shutdown

TxDOT plans extended closure to repair bridge joints in downtown area

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has announced a major shutdown of a section of Interstate 35 in downtown San Antonio starting next month. The affected area will be on the north side of downtown, between I-10 and I-37, as TxDOT needs to make repairs to the bridge joints in the area.

Why it matters

I-35 is a critical artery through the heart of San Antonio, and this extended closure will cause significant disruptions to traffic flow and commutes for residents and businesses in the area. The repairs are necessary to maintain the safety and integrity of the bridge infrastructure, but the shutdown will create challenges for drivers who rely on this major highway.

The details

TxDOT says the shutdown is needed to make repairs to bridge joints along a section of I-35 in downtown San Antonio. The affected area will be on the north side of downtown, between I-10 and I-37. The repairs are expected to take several weeks to complete, resulting in an extended closure of this vital stretch of highway.

  • The I-35 shutdown is scheduled to begin in early March 2026.

The players

Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)

The state agency responsible for maintaining and repairing Texas' transportation infrastructure, including highways, bridges, and roads.

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What’s next

Local officials are urging residents to plan ahead and seek alternate routes during the I-35 closure, as the repairs are expected to cause significant traffic delays and congestion in the downtown area.

The takeaway

This extended shutdown of a critical section of I-35 in San Antonio highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining aging transportation infrastructure in growing urban areas. Residents and businesses will need to be prepared for the disruptions, but the repairs are necessary to ensure the safety and longevity of this important highway.