TxDOT outlines short‑term safety fixes and long‑range study for State Highway 46

Charles Benavides, district engineer for TxDOT’s San Antonio region, told the court TxDOT’s goal is to "end the streak" of roadway fatalities and outlined immediate and longer‑term measures for State Highway 46 West between I‑10 and SH‑16. He said quick fixes such as preformed center‑line rumble strips, refreshed pavement markings and additional warning signage are planned for installation by the end of summer 2026.

Benavides presented crash data for the corridor and said, "from 2021 to 2025, we had 5 fatal crashes," and that contributing factors in the corridor crashes included speed, impairment/distraction and wet weather. He said 47% of the reported crash types were head‑on collisions and that the short‑term funded project—adding turn lanes at seven intersections plus an overlay to create a center buffer—was in design and scheduled for bid in September 2027. Benavides also described a long‑term feasibility study that will evaluate whether the corridor should operate as a higher‑speed divided facility or a lower‑speed four‑lane option with barriers; the study was paused in 2025 at about 60% completion and has been restarted. Road design, environmental clearances and right‑of‑way issues will affect timing and cost; Benavides said the project uses a mix of federal Highway Safety Improvement Program dollars and state funds.