Public input sought for San Marcos overpass project
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The City of San Marcos and TxDOT are holding an open house this week to gather public input on the construction of a bridge over the railroad tracks across Aquarena Springs Drive.
Engineers on the project say that waiting at those tracks—a common inconvenience for drivers in the area—could soon be a thing of the past.
"This will improve the mobility on one of the busiest thoroughfares in the city," senior engineer Rey Garcia said.
The plan is to build a $36 million overpass on Aquarena Springs Drive which would take traffic over these train tracks. The project would also reroute Post Road.
Stephanie Martinez, a student at nearby Texas State University, says the project will make getting to class easier.
“It'd be easier to just walk across instead of waiting right next to the train,” Martinez said. “I've waited next to the train and it doesn't feel good either, you always think that a rock is going to fly at you or something."
An overpass would also keep things moving when problems occur. Whether it's due to an accident, a mechanical problem or just rail traffic, sometimes the trains need to stop on the tracks which can cause major traffic problems.
"It's very congested and it backs up, sometimes the trains stop and then you just have to be patient and wait," Garcia said/
The open house will be held Thursday at 6 p.m. in the San Marcos Activity Center.
City engineers and TxDOT officials will be on hand to answer questions and take comments.
City leaders say the project could take up to two years to complete.