SAN ANTONIO – The Bexar County Commissioners Court on Tuesday approved the building of an additional 90 Highwater Alert Lifesaving Technology (HALT) sites.
The construction includes the installation of High Water Detection Systems as part of the Bexar County Flood Control Program, a 10-year, $500 million capital improvement program that was established in 2007.
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The 90 approved sites include 51 sites to be installed within San Antonio city limits and 39 within the unincorporated areas of Bexar County.
The HALT system is used to warn drivers when there is too much water to safely drive on roads. A HALT sensor detects rising water and triggers flashing lights and gates to warn drivers when water reaches a certain depth.
People in Bexar County can also access a website with information about the status of all the county's low water crossings at any given time. Bexar County is working with the city of San Antonio to make sure the website offers accurate, real-time information during heavy rain.
"I have always strongly advocated for the HALT system," Pct. 1 Commissioner Sergio Rodriguez said. "My first priority is safety for the constituents of the community. The HALT system saves lives by letting drivers know when there's water on the road and not safe to drive. I will continue to support and promote any efforts to keep the public safe during flooding events."
The court also approved the selection of J3, LLC to work on the Old Fredericksburg Road low water crossing in Precinct 3. The project includes replacing the current low water crossing near Old Fredericksburg Road at Lost Creek Gap Road with concrete box culverts.
Construction is expected to begin in July and end in January.