SAN ANTONIO – The Public Works Department of San Antonio plays a crucial role in maintaining the city’s infrastructure by providing essential signage across the area. With a dedicated sign-making team, the department produces thousands of signs each year, ensuring clear communication for residents and visitors alike.
According to Marc Jacobsen, the assistant director of Public Works, the team generates approximately 8,000 signs annually while purchasing an additional 10,000 signs. This systematic approach helps them meet the city’s diverse signage needs efficiently.
The sign-making process typically spans 45 minutes to an hour, handled by a compact team of three skilled individuals. Their primary focus includes creating speed limit and stop signs, although they cater to a wide variety of requests from the community.
“Anything that you can imagine, we get requests for,” Jacobsen commented. Citizens can voice their needs for specific signs by calling 311, which facilitates a smooth communication channel between the public and the sign-making team.
In addition to traffic signs, the department also handles street name signs. Recently, they have been involved in discussions surrounding the proposal to rename César E. Chávez Boulevard. However, their engagement in the renaming process typically occurs later than other city entities.
The renaming process begins with a Council Consideration Request, which has already been submitted by Councilmember Teri Castillo. This request aims to change the street name from César E. Chávez Boulevard to Durango Boulevard, following serious allegations against Chávez.
Last week, the Historic and Design Review Commission approved this name change, with a majority voting in favor. The planning commission is set to vote on the proposal on June 24, while the City Council will make its decision in August. The Development Services Department has indicated that the name change will incur a cost of just over $300,000 for the city.
Once the final decision is made regarding the new name, the Development Services Department will coordinate with Public Works to ensure the new signs are ordered and installed efficiently. Jacobsen highlighted that the Public Works team will provide technical guidance on the design of the new signage.
The sign-making process involves several meticulous steps. Initially, the team sets up the file for the sign’s design, which is then sent to the vinyl-cutting process. After the vinyl is cut, the team meticulously weeds out excess material, applies transfer tape, and places the wording on the sign. Finally, they ensure that all air bubbles are removed to guarantee a clean finish.
Moreover, the team responds to numerous 311 requests concerning new or updated street and traffic signs, including inquiries about visibility issues due to obstructions. Jacobsen emphasized the importance of community involvement, urging property owners to trim trees and bushes that may obstruct signage. “If you can’t see a sign because something is in the way, you can call 311,” he advised, underscoring the collaborative effort between the city and its residents to maintain road safety.
