Feasibility study released into reopening N. New Braunfels Ave. through Fort Sam Houston

One option includes building tunnel

SAN ANTONIO – The city of San Antonio on Wednesday released a feasibility study into the idea of reopening a quarter mile of North New Braunfels Avenue through Fort Sam Houston.

The stretch of road has been closed since the Sept. 11 terror attacks.

City officials said the idea is an effort to boost economic development around the Army post.

The study, which has been in the works for the past two years, includes the idea of allowing traffic to drive through the post.

Arthur Reinhardt, assistant director of the city's Transportation and Capital Improvements Department, said officials would have to consider anti-terrorism measures required by the federal government.

Reinhardt said one option could be building a tunnel underneath the post.

"An early estimate is over $100 million for a project like that," Reinhardt said. "So it's something we need to partner with locally, and also with state and federal governments to help fund an effort like that."

Members of the Open Access to New Braunfels Avenue committee said opening up the stretch, which has been closed for almost 16 years, will promote economic development. 


About the Author:

Stephanie Serna is a weekday anchor on Good Morning San Antonio and GMSA at 9 a.m. She joined the KSAT 12 News team in November 2009 as a general assignments reporter.