Selma city administrators announced that the second phase of the Lookout Road improvement project will not begin as scheduled because the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s (TCEQ) online permitting system, STEERS, is currently down. The delay affects the southern stretch of Lookout Road, which runs from the city’s northern terminus at Schertz Parkway down to the Selma‑Live Oak city line.
Project background
In 2018, Selma completed the northern portion of the Lookout Road upgrades, reconstructing the main travel lanes and installing on‑street bike lanes and sidewalks. The work was funded primarily by federal dollars – about 80 % of the $5.1 million allocated for the bike lane and sidewalk components – with the remaining funds coming from the city’s dedicated sales tax for street repairs and the municipal development district.
The full improvement plan, which includes both the northern and southern sections, totals roughly $9 million. City Administrator Johnny Casias explained that the upgrades on the southern portion will mirror those already completed in the north, adding new bike lanes and sidewalks on both sides of the road while rebuilding the main lanes.
Reason for the delay
Casias told reporters that the TCEQ’s State of Texas Environmental Electronic Reporting System (STEERS) is offline, preventing the city from obtaining the necessary environmental permits to start construction. “The system is down, so that has delayed our project,” he said.
Selma engineers have been in contact with TCEQ officials, but no new start date has been set. Despite the setback, the city maintains a projected completion date of the end of 2027, in order to meet the deadline attached to the federal funding.
Impact on residents and traffic
Local resident Arnold Medellin expressed mixed feelings about the upcoming construction. While he does not look forward to lane closures, he welcomes the eventual benefits, noting that expanded sidewalks and bike lanes would provide more space for jogging and walking dogs.
To minimize traffic disruption once construction begins, the city has built a contract provision that will keep two‑way traffic flowing on Lookout Road throughout the project. “Part of the contract that we have in place is that there is always going to be two‑way traffic while Lookout Road is under construction,” Casias said.
Funding and timeline
The $9 million improvement project relies heavily on federal assistance awarded through the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. The city’s contribution comes from its dedicated sales tax revenues earmarked for street repairs and municipal development. Casias emphasized that the federal dollars must be spent within a specific timeframe, which is why the city is eager to resume work as soon as the permitting issue is resolved.
“The goal is to have this project done by the end of 2027,” Casias added, underscoring the city’s commitment to delivering the upgraded roadway for the benefit of commuters, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.
Next steps
Selma officials will continue to monitor the STEERS system and work with TCEQ to secure the required permits. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through city communications and to plan for possible traffic adjustments once construction resumes.
Original reporting: San Antonio, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
