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Viral Video Sparks Bridge Safety Fears in San Antonio
16 Sep
Summary
- A TikTok video showed a visible gap in an I-35 overpass, causing public alarm.
- TxDOT clarified the gap is a normal bridge expansion joint, not a structural defect.
- Despite assurances, routine maintenance will address visible spalled concrete.
Concerns over bridge safety have surfaced in San Antonio following a viral TikTok video that highlighted a noticeable gap in an I-35 overpass. The footage, shared by a resident on Thursday, September 10, quickly gained traction, prompting worries among drivers about the structural integrity of the roadway.
TxDOT spokesperson Jennifer Serold explained that the visible opening is a normal expansion joint, a design feature essential for accommodating bridge movement caused by environmental factors. Despite these assurances, the spalled concrete noted in the video will undergo routine maintenance.
The ramp from westbound Loop 1604 to southbound I-35/Lookout Road has been confirmed as safe for travel. This area is part of the extensive I-35 Northeast Expansion (NEX) Project, which has been underway since June 2022, with the central section expected to be completed by late 2027.
Additional construction-related closures are planned for December as the NEX Project progresses. TxDOT maintains that safety is their paramount concern throughout these infrastructure improvements.
