TxDOT’s $11.7M grant to improve walkability and bikeability on UTSA campus

NOVEMBER 8, 2023 — UTSA has been awarded an $11.7 million grant through the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) Transportation Alternatives (TA) program to improve bicycle and pedestrian paths on its Main Campus. This grant is part of a state-wide effort to improve access to schools and amenities. TxDOT funded 83 projects across the state for an historic total of $345 million to enhance safety and mobility options to schools, jobs, public transit and local destinations.

The TA grant will allow UTSA to enhance the walkability and bikeability of Brenan Avenue, which runs through the heart of the Main Campus, by constructing a 12-foot-wide pedestrian path and an eight-foot-wide bicycle track. In addition to the pathways, the project will include raised crosswalks, ADA improvements, bicycle racks, and lighting and safety improvements.

“We are excited to focus our campus planning efforts on sustainability, including enhancing the walkability and bikeability of our campus experience.”

“As UTSA grows, we are excited to focus our campus planning efforts on sustainability, including enhancing the walkability and bikeability of our campus experience,” said Veronica Salazar, UTSA chief enterprise development officer and senior vice president for business affairs. “This opportunity will continue to create intentional spaces that encourage active living while reducing traffic congestion and enhancing pedestrian safety on campus.”

The Brenan Avenue project supports UTSA's Campus Master Plan, which calls for promoting a pedestrian-oriented and compact campus core. Expanding the paseo network and discouraging vehicles within the core will further promote a safe, efficient, and pleasant campus environment.

UTSA received the grant with the cooperative support of several community partners, including Bexar County Commissioner Grant Moody, Councilman Manny Pelaez, Security Service Federal Credit Union and Valero. This collaboration led to Bexar County submitting an additional project proposal through Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization to complement and extend the pathways, linking to a growing network of 100-plus miles of developed multi-use accessible trails.

“We are extremely grateful to our community partners for their support and collaboration on this project,” said Teresa Niño, UTSA vice president for university relations. “We thank them for their work and look forward to continuing to collaborate to create a sustainable San Antonio.”

The UTSA Office of Sustainability has improved bicycle and pedestrian facilities on campus since 2018 to reduce congestion from single-occupancy vehicles and improve air quality. These Active Transportation Programs include the Beakcycle program, which allows students to rent bicycles for commuting across campus, and the Tito Bradshaw Bicycle Repair Shop, where students can maintain and repair their bicycles.

The TA grant will complement an existing $407,000 grant through TxDOT’s Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program to study and promote alternative transportation on campus. The sustainability office’s efforts to secure these grants leverages limited funding to add value for the students, faculty, staff and visitors.

“We are dedicated to advancing UTSA as a sustainable, healthy campus,” said Corrina Green, senior associate vice president for UTSA real estate and property management. “Our focus on creating a more sustainable campus can improve the health and lifestyle of our students today while further preparing for UTSA’s continued growth.”

With funding secured, this long-term project will now move into a design phase. The project is expected to begin in early 2024.

TxDOT’s Transportation Alternatives program provides funding to plan for and construct a variety of alternative transportation projects that improve safety and mobility for non-motorized travelers and mitigate congestion by providing safe alternatives to motor vehicle transport.

UTSA is committed to ensuring a safe, sustainable environment for all Roadrunners and is continuing to explore opportunities to enhance the campus experience on each of its campuses.

— Brandie Yale