San Antonio 1604 & 281 Hwys (Houston, Alamo: 2015, houses, neighborhood)

[houstmom]

I've lived here in SA for about 8 months (came from Houston). I live in a small subdivision near Blanco and Bitters intersection.

I am wondering why the Stone Oak area is recommended so much. To me the traffic is a nightmare. I don't live in the Stone Oak area but I have driven on the Sonterra overpass of 281 during evening rush hour and the traffic going north on 281 is absolutely horrible.

Just a few weeks ago, I took my son to a birthday party at Alamo Drafthouse off 281 and Stone Oak. To get back home (to go south on 281), we waited in a very backed up line at a light to go right on 281 (north), then waited in a line to u-turn onto 281 South, and then waited at a light again to get moving (the same light we waited on to turn right). I can't imagine doing that everyday if I lived over there.

Rogers Ranch is also recommended but it takes forever to leave the subdivision due to the light at Rogers Ranch and 1604. Again, I don't live there but my son goes to the private school just inside the subdivision. There is only one way in and out of the subdivision and just one lane to get out of it (unless you are turning right on 1604). I know the school is partially to blame for the traffic issue and it was a dumb idea to put the school here.

Am I wrong about these areas having horrible traffic?

[teenwolf80]

Yes it's horrible. That's what happens when you have insane population and the infrastructure stays the same. That's changing as the new 1604/281 interchange is under construction and there is a plan to turn 281 from 1604 to Stone Oak Parkway into a highway by 2015. A toll free highway at that.

So things are looking up on that front.

[Bo]

Traffic up there's better now than it was 2 years ago. You moved here after the superstreet improvements went in. You should have seen the traffic up there before the superstreet went in.

I still wouldn't recommend living north of 1604 to anyone who dislikes rush hour traffic.

[TXsurburbanmom]

If you live IN Stone Oak you are probably already off 281 by the area you are talking about. The traffic on SO Pkwy is better with the Blanco improvements but everything is worse right now because they are finally putting in the 281/1604 interchange. By comparison I came down Blanco/Bitters during rush hour a few.times.lately and it was horrible too.

As.to why do we live in SO...because of the amazing public schools, the pretty houses (got ours for under $70 a sq ft) and the nice people in our neighborhood and volunteering with me up at school. It's a big city and I feel blessed to find a place that makes us so happy. If it's not someone else's cup of tea, fine by me. Lots of places I wouldn't live but if it works for someone else who am I to tell them how awful it is.

[stoneoak]

I still think there are far worse places in regards to traffic in SA. If you live up here, you know the shortcuts and what roads to avoid at certain times...and I also don't have to travel on 281 at all 99 percent of the time. It's just not that horrible. But the schools are soooooooo worth any hiccups.

And Houston traffic, if I may say, is some of the worst I have ever seen outside of NYC.

[pobre]

Originally Posted by houstmom

Just a few weeks ago, I took my son to a birthday party at Alamo Drafthouse off 281 and Stone Oak. To get back home (to go south on 281), we waited in a very backed up line at a light to go right on 281 (north), then waited in a line to u-turn onto 281 South, and then waited at a light again to get moving (the same light we waited on to turn right). I can't imagine doing that everyday if I lived over there.

Trust me, it took a LOT longer to do it prior to the superstreet. At least double the time. I cross 281 @ Stone Oak Parkway everyday twice, so, believe me, I've spent quite a bit of time waiting to cross. But it used to take much longer, because the traffic would back up. you still have to wait for the light(s), but the traffic flows much better, so you get through on one light cycle, not 4.

[spoiler]

I should have such problems. Next time you're stuck in traffic, why don't you try counting your blessings?

[Willsatx]

I think the Stone Oak traffic is getting better, have a few friends that live in that area and it looks like things are getting a little better.

[OzzyRules]

Does anyone know where to find updated info regarding the construction of the new roads in this area, as far as time-frames for when it will be complete?

Thanks.

[datacity]

I would think that any updated information would be posted at the Alamo RMA website... or perhaps you can contact them and request an updated timeframe to be posted.

Home - Alamo RMA: Alamo Regional Mobility Authority - Moving people faster