A ribbon-cutting was held June 30 to formally mark the completion of Phase 2 of the North US 281 expansion project in North San Antonio.

The ceremony included representatives from the Texas Department of Transportation, Texas Transportation Commission, and local elected officials.

Phase 2 covered a 4-mile span of U.S. 281 between Stone Oak Parkway and Borgfeld Road, and adding three lanes to the freeway in each direction, as well as bicycle and pedestrian facilities.

Phase II began in March 2019 just as Phase 1—affecting US 281 from Loop 1604 to Stone Oak Parkway—was finishing up. The final main lanes of the corridor in Phase 2 opened in May. Both phases are estimated to have cost $532 million, according to a news release.

Attendees of the ribbon-cutting ceremony said the expansion of US 281 was needed to help reduce traffic congestion, enhance safety and increase mobility in a growing part of the San Antonio area.

“Today is a great day for San Antonio,” said Gina Gallegos, TxDOT San Antonio district engineer. “We’re celebrating the completion of Phase 2 of the US 281 North expansion—a project that is bringing noticeable congestion relief to San Antonio drivers.”