If you've driven on Bandera Road, odds are you've experienced the dismal experience that is waiting in standstill traffic for what seems like lifetimes. Well, the City of San Antonio is hoping to solve that soon.

Last week, CoSA adopted the Bandera Road Corridor Plan (Phase 1) that seeks to address community concerns with one of the most heavily commuted — and notoriously congested — areas in the 210.

CoSA worked closely with partners, including TxDOT and the City of Leon Valley, in the planning process for approximately 6.5 linear miles of roads, businesses, and residents. The adopted plan, which was developed under the guidance of the SA Tomorrow Comprehensive Plan, will serve as a blueprint to further improve the area.

Still confused about what this looks like exactly? Let's break it down.

The "TLDR" version [too long, didn't read]

The plan, which was initiated in 2019, was a joint effort brought forth from a collaboration with residents, business owners, and area stakeholders. With a newly adopted game plan, we now how a better idea of what the community wants to see for the area (public transportation, traffic management, landscaping, etc.) and how to ensure that vision is fulfilled.

Incorporation public transportation | Rendering via CoSA

Objectives

Here are the plan's five major goals:

Sustainability: Developing an attractive corridor that accomplishes the collective vision of the community.
Transportation: Creating accommodations for multiple modes of transportation and better traffic management is at the crux of the plan.
Economy: Putting forth a guide for future public and private development through best practices in public policy is an essential part of this vision.
Beautify: Incorporating landscaping to provide shade for pedestrians and potential future transit riders, while managing stormwater runoff.
Connectivity: Providing increased physical connections to surrounding neighborhoods and commercial districts is part of the plan's long-term objectives.

Through these, the plan hopes to address the community's major concerns in light of the area's unprecedented population boom.

Increasing multi-modal access spaces is one strategy identified for the corridor. | Rendering via CoSA

Other major takeaways

More traffic lanes is not the answer. City staff have emphasized the need for strategies that will minimize additional traffic while promoting sustainable solutions.
Future developments should be consistent with best practices. This includes developments supporting connections to public transit, incorporate green spaces, and are pedestrian-forward.
Public transportation is key. Installing bicycle and pedestrian paths, arterial network improvements, and transit-supportive infrastructural strategies are crucial to solving traffic woes.
A better future is possible. Creating a walkable, sustainable, and generally attractive Bandera Road may seem far-fetched now, but this plan hopes to set the foundation for the next generation.

Want a deeper dive into what these recommendations look like? Of course you do. For a detailed look, read the latest draft online.