University Star

Texas State is expanding in space and numbers, leaving little room to navigate through San Marcos – especially when trains block the way.

The construction of an overpass on one of the busiest roads in San Marcos is a much-needed project that will alleviate unwanted traffic.

The Aquarena Springs Drive overpass will allow vehicles to travel efficiently without being stopped by the Union Pacific Railroad line near the football stadium.

Melissa Millecam, spokeswoman for the City of San Marcos, said the project is still in the early planning stages and is not expected to begin construction until 2013.

The sooner, the better for this vital project.  According to an April 1, 2009 University Star article, San Marcos has more than 20 railroad crossings, and 47 trains pass through town daily. 

The establishment of this overpass will cut resident and student travel time to and from the city by eliminating backed-up traffic caused by trains. Emergency vehicles will be able to reach scenes of accidents more quickly, instead of taking the Wonder World extension to avoid incoming trains.

With 30,000 fans expected every home game in the renovated Bobcat Stadium next football season after moving into Division I, the new overpass will also lighten the congestion caused on the Aquarena Springs and Post Road intersection. The bumper-to-bumper traffic during the first quarter could decrease exponentially. If the project were halted, it could leave hundreds of angry fans at a standstill in the middle of Aquarena Springs.

According to a Jan. 12 University Star article, the project is estimated to cost approximately $39 million for design, utility relocation, right-of-way and water quality additions. However, most of the funding is state and federal aid. Millecam said this project has been under Texas Department of Transportation reign for the past several years.

This financially lessens the burden on the city so funds can go towards other necessary projects.Students living near the future construction site should be aware of the big project, but not lose focus on the bigger picture. Millecam said the city, Texas State and other parties involved will take into account the best way to begin construction without limiting the accessibility of Aquarena Springs Drive.

According to a Jan. 12 University Star article, Robert Gratz, special assistant to University President Denise Trauth, said the university is working with the city to make sure the Aquarena overpass will be an “attractive” entry to the area upon its completion. Once constructed, the overpass will be the city’s second railroad bypass structure.

Trains and traffic are the two biggest complaints in San Marcos, but with the future construction of the Aquarena Springs Drive overpass both issues will diminish.