Two Major Road Projects Are Reshaping Commutes — and Home Values — in San Antonio

If you live, work, or own property on San Antonio's northeast side, two active construction projects are already changing how you get around — and they could influence what your home is worth in the years ahead.

On February 15, 2026, eastbound Loop 1604 traffic moved to a new traffic pattern as part of the $1.5 billion I-35 NEX Central project. If you have driven that stretch recently, you have already noticed the change. Lanes have shifted, and the rhythm of that corridor feels different. This is not a minor adjustment — I-35 NEX Central is one of the largest highway investments in San Antonio's history, and the Loop 1604 interchange is one of its most critical pieces. Expect continued changes to traffic patterns in this area as construction progresses.

At the same time, the $39.29 million FM 1103 widening project entered its third phase in February, with crews now focused on the southbound lanes. FM 1103 connects Cibolo and Schertz to the broader northeast San Antonio metro, and widening it from two lanes to four has been a long-anticipated improvement for residents who rely on it daily. The third phase means the project is moving forward, but it also means active construction disruption on the southbound side right now.

So what does all of this mean if you own a home, are thinking about buying, or are considering selling?

For current homeowners along the FM 1103 corridor — particularly in Schertz, Cibolo, and the communities that feed into Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD — the short-term reality is construction inconvenience. Southbound travel on FM 1103 will take longer than usual while the third phase is underway. If your daily commute uses this road, build in extra time and watch for updated detour guidance from TxDOT. The inconvenience is real, but it is also temporary and worth understanding in context: a four-lane FM 1103 will move traffic meaningfully faster once complete, benefiting everyone who lives nearby.

For homeowners near the I-35 NEX Central project, the February 15 traffic shift on eastbound Loop 1604 is a signal that construction is actively advancing. The project touches one of the most heavily traveled corridors in Bexar County, running through and around areas like Selma, Live Oak, Converse, and Universal City. Residents in ZIP codes like 78154, 78233, and 78244 feel this project's effects every day. Noise, dust, and lane changes near your home are frustrating, but they tend to be priced into the market during active construction — meaning buyers sometimes find value in areas that look messy today but are positioned well for tomorrow.

If you are thinking about selling a home near either of these projects, timing and presentation matter more than usual. Buyers will notice the construction activity, and some will ask questions about how long it will last and what the finished product looks like. Being prepared to answer those questions — or working with an agent who can — puts you in a stronger position. Highlight proximity to the improved infrastructure as a future benefit, not just a current inconvenience.

For buyers, these projects are worth understanding before you make an offer. A home that sits close to a widening FM 1103 or a rebuilt I-35 interchange may carry some short-term noise and traffic disruption, but improved roads historically support property values over time by reducing commute times, encouraging commercial development nearby, and making an area more accessible. Neighborhoods in Schertz and Cibolo have grown steadily in part because of infrastructure investment, and that story is still being written.

Renters in the area should be aware that landlords and property managers near these corridors may see shifts in demand as construction wraps up in phases. If you are considering a lease renewal or a move, it is worth factoring in what the road network in your target area will look like not just today, but in the next year or two.

For homeowners who have no immediate plans to buy or sell, the most practical advice right now is straightforward: stay informed about phased closures and traffic shifts, particularly on FM 1103 southbound and around the Loop 1604 and I-35 interchange. TxDOT posts updates as patterns change, and local community groups in Schertz, Cibolo, and Universal City often share real-time information that is faster than official channels.

Big infrastructure projects are disruptive by nature. But they also signal that a region is growing and investing in its future. San Antonio's northeast corridor has been one of the most active growth areas in South Texas for years, and these two projects are part of what keeps it moving.