SAN ANTONIO – A significant infrastructure project undertaken by the San Antonio Water System (SAWS) is set to impact traffic and water flow near the busy intersection of Hildebrand Road and McCullough Avenue, located just north of downtown San Antonio.
Preparatory work has already commenced as SAWS crews begin to ready the street for upcoming construction. Starting at 3 a.m. on Monday, access to the area will be completely shut down. “We know that this street is really critical for traffic. We’re trying to get through as fast as we can,” stated Anne Hayden, communications director for SAWS.
The project, which involves the replacement of aging water pipes, will unfold in phases. Initially, work will focus on the section of Hildebrand Road near the intersection, eventually extending eastward to Shook Avenue. Various street closures are expected to continue until December, disrupting the flow of traffic in this busy corridor.
In a follow-up phase set to commence in January 2027 and concluding in March, the pipe replacement work will extend further along Hildebrand Road, covering the stretch between Shook Avenue and Devine Road. This long-term project is crucial for the maintenance and improvement of the city’s water infrastructure.
Hayden emphasized that the primary aim of the project is to remove and replace outdated underground pipes, many of which date back to the early 1900s. “These pipes were put in during the early part of the 1900s, so they’re 100 years old or more,” she noted. “They’ve done their job, but they break at bad times.”
As the work progresses, residents and businesses in the area will experience intermittent water outages. SAWS has proactively communicated these potential disruptions to its customers. “Group calls, robo dials to the area, as well as texts,” Hayden explained, are part of their outreach efforts to keep the community informed.
Local business owner Ysabel Pedroza, who operates a hair salon within My Salon Suites, has taken the necessary steps to prepare for the project. “They told us to have at least five gallons of water on hand just in case we need it,” she shared. With water being essential for her salon services, such as hair coloring and highlights, she is determined to mitigate any potential loss of business. “If we have to cancel (appointments), that means that we lose out on money, and this is our livelihood,” Pedroza expressed.
SAWS is committed to minimizing disruptions for both customers and drivers throughout the duration of this project. To aid in navigation around the construction, the organization will regularly update its website with information regarding detours and project progress.
