City Council approves ordinance for major East-West Corridor project on South Side

SAN ANTONIO — The San Antonio City Council has approved an ordinance and reallocation of funds to begin the process of creating a major highway project aimed at connecting parts of the city’s major industrial plants through the South Side.

The decision was made during a packed council meeting Thursday that included the appointment of the city council. first female fire chief and approving the city’s legislative agenda ahead of next year’s state session.

The plan, called the East-West Highway Plan Redevelopment Project, would create a road across the region, connecting parts of some of the city’s major manufacturing and innovation districts.

During comments at Thursday’s council meeting, District 4 Councilwoman Adriana Rocha Garcia put it bluntly.

“Simpler and simpler: The South Side’s time has come,” she said.

The project, a top priority in the city’s legislative agenda, is still in its early stages. However, on Thursday the city council approved the first steps of the project, proposing a feasibility study.

“Once completed, this project will be a catalyst for transforming the entire south San Antonio area into a center for advanced manufacturing in Texas and enhancing the quality of life for current and future residents,” Rocha Garcia said.

Funds totaling $250,000 will be allocated from the Economic Development Stimulus Fund for the study. The project will run through both City Council Districts 3 and 4.

Through the study, the city hopes to identify and evaluate alternative roadway options from Interstate 35 to Interstate 37, below the 410 Beltway, according to city documents.

In addition to expected engineering projections and environmental impacts, the study will estimate construction costs and support future grant and funding opportunities.