St Mary Strip Transformation: After a two-year closure for repairs, the St. Mary’s Strip is now open again. People and companies in the area are pleased with the completion. Mimi Ortiz, the bar manager at Singhs Vietnamese, was glad as people had difficulty reaching the restaurant due to ongoing construction. She recalled trucks parking in front of their door and sidewalks being torn up, hindering access to their shop. Now that the work is done, Singh Vietnamese and other businesses are hopeful for a better future.
The St. Mary’s Strip Project aimed to improve accessibility and excitement for the community. The roads are now 6 ft wide instead of 3-4 ft. It is a crucial change. It allows more space for walking. The city is safer and greener, with 38 light poles and 27 trees. At N. St. Mary’s Street and Ashby Place, two pedestrian crossings and new traffic lights have made the area safer and easier to access.
VIA bus stops, and limestone benches were added as part of the project to enhance walks. People and companies can park on the street and use loading zones. There are areas for both freight and passenger loading. Bike lanes added to encourage alternative transportation, part of the city’s plan.
The road’s surface was fixed. CPS Energy installed new gas lines, while SAWS installed fresh water and sewer lines. Among the final steps were street fixes, traffic light changes, and general cleanup.
The $11.4 million St. Mary’s Strip Project faced issues from East Mistletoe Street to West Josephine Street. Still, an extra worker was hired to expedite progress. Business owners near the strip, like Sean Wen of Wurst Behavior and Curry Boys BBQ, are excited about the potential impact. They want St. Mary’s Strip to be a bustling spot for people to enjoy the local scene. Despite ongoing tasks such as street repairs, drain modifications, and cleanup efforts, the future appears promising for this beloved area of San Antonio.
ALSO READ: 2022 Work Trends: Commuting Carpooling and Remote Work Shifts Revealed