Current situation
According to city representatives, a handful of major street projects around downtown will affect people coming into the local business district to attend Fiesta programming, which is scheduled through April 28. Local officials urged downtown visitors to give themselves extra time when navigating roads around the following project sites:
- Commerce Street between Frio and Santa Rosa streets: fully closed through December
- San Saba Street between Nueva and Martin streets: fully closed through December
- Santa Rosa Street between Cesar Chavez Boulevard and Martin Street: fully closed through December
- South Alamo Street between Cesar Chavez Boulevard and Market Street: fully closed through mid-March
The following road closures are slated only during Fiesta week:
- Fiesta de los Reyes: San Saba between Dolorosa and Commerce streets from noon April 16 to 5 p.m. April 29
- Night In Old San Antonio: Presa Street between Nueva and Market streets from 8 a.m. April 20 to 9 p.m. April 28
- Battle of Flowers Parade: Lexington Avenue from Locust Street to North St. Mary’s Street, and North St. Mary’s through Brooklyn Avenue, Avenue E, past Alamo Plaza, Commerce Street, and Santa Rosa Street from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. April 26
- King William Fair and Parade: 6 a.m. April 26-10 p.m. April 27. The parade route will start and end on Eagleland Drive, and will be bound by the San Antonio River, Cesar Chavez Boulevard, South St. Mary’s Street, and Mission Street. The fair area will be bound by Cesar Chavez Boulevard, South St. Mary’s Street, South Alamo Street, East Guenther Street and the San Antonio River.
- Flambeau Parade: Lexington Avenue from Locust Street to North St. Mary’s Street, and North St. Mary’s through Brooklyn Avenue, Avenue E, past Alamo Plaza, Commerce Street, and Santa Rosa Street from 4 p.m. April 27-1 a.m. April 28
Additionally, the Fiesta Castle Hills Parade route, which will include parts of West Avenue and Northwest Military Highway, will be closed during the parade, which begins at 10 a.m. April 20.
Also, roads along the Fiesta Pooch Parade route in the western portion of Alamo Heights will be closed during the parade, which starts at 9:30 a.m. April 27.
Take action
VIA Metropolitan Transit officials said Fiesta visitors may ride the bus from VIA Park and Ride facilities to select Fiesta events and back for a special price each way. One-way fares for Fiesta guests will be $1.30 for adults; and $0.65 for students, active-duty military, disabled individuals and Medicare recipients as well as senior citizens during weekdays. Fares will be free for seniors on weekends as well as for VIAtrans riders. Representatives for the city's public works department encouraged Fiesta attendees to plan ahead and take note of city-owned public parking garages and lots, walk or take their bicycle to a Fiesta event, or take advantage of ride-share options to avoid traffic disruptions that are expected during Fiesta.
What they're saying
Nicholas Olivier, public relations manager in the public works department, said the city aims to reduce concerns for downtown visitors, residents and business owners worried about how the Fiesta-induced and separate, long-range road closures affect them, such as the reconstruction of South Alamo Street.
Olivier said city personnel recently installed additional pedestrian wayfinding signage along South Alamo Street, and will soon add more temporary lighting along South Alamo, to help pedestrians and bicylists navigate the road during and after Fiesta.
Olivier also said pedestrian access is fully available along the east side of South Alamo, and partially available on the west side of South Alamo. All businesses and attractions in the immediate area remain accessible, he added.
According to Olivier, the overall South Alamo project—scheduled for completion in winter 2025—will result in an improved roadway for pedestrians and motorists with wider sidewalks, amenities for disabled persons, and upgraded lighting, landscaping and underground utilities.
