San Antonio Invests in Downtown Renewal

Why it matters

The study will explore ways to reduce the impact of I-37, which has long divided the East Side from downtown. Construction of the highway in the 1960s displaced thousands of residents and created a physical and economic barrier. The goal is to improve pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, making the area safer and more walkable between Hemisfair, the convention center, the Alamodome, and the future sports and entertainment district. The study will focus on a two-mile stretch of I-37, from Houston Street to Carolina Street. AECOM Technical Services, a Dallas-based firm, will conduct the study, which is expected to last nine months. The firm's past projects include One World Trade Center and the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Funding includes nearly $3 million from a U.S. Department of Transportation grant and $740,000 from the city's Hotel Occupancy Tax. The project aims to create a "seamless urban experience," potentially through a land bridge, underpass, or pedestrian bridge.

Key numbers

• San Antonio awarded a $3.7M contract to study connections between downtown and the East Side.
• The study will explore ways to reduce the impact of I-37, which has long divided the East Side from downtown.
• Construction of the highway in the 1960s displaced thousands of residents and created a physical and economic barrier.
• The study will focus on a two-mile stretch of I-37, from Houston Street to Carolina Street.

What happens next

• The study will explore ways to reduce the impact of I-37, which has long divided the East Side from downtown.
• The study will focus on a two-mile stretch of I-37, from Houston Street to Carolina Street.
• AECOM Technical Services, a Dallas-based firm, will conduct the study, which is expected to last nine months.

Sources

• Antonio awarded

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