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VERIFY | Is the slow pace of downtown construction due to supply chain issues?

The city said it could be contractors missing their deadlines, or the discovery of unexpected utilities underground once construction begins.

SAN ANTONIO — Construction. It is a word that many don't like to hear, but in a city growing as fast as San Antonio it is a necessity. But in tonight's Verify, we look into construction projects being done by the City that seem to be taking longer than they should, according to downtown residents. They said some of the areas have been under construction since before the pandemic.

THE QUESTION

Is it true that the slow pace of downtown construction is due to supply chain issues?

THE SOURCES

  • Razi Hosseini, the Director of San Antonio's Public Works, and a city engineer

THE ANSWER

FALSE

WHAT WE FOUND

Hosseini told us sometimes contractors can take longer than expected, and that in older parts of the city downtown, there are some utility lines that are over 100 years old, with little documentation. So, the City is forced to make the best judgement before they actually dig in and begin the construction. 

"When we go to construction, we realize sometimes, not all of the time, the utility line that we would expect it to be on a certain location and is not, and it affects our schedule, and affects our design, we may have to redesign it and unfortunately effects the schedule of the project because of not knowing where it was affected," said Hosseini.

Hosseini went on to say construction is similar to home remodeling. It can take a while, but is worth it in the end. 

"After the fact, you are happy you did it. Any road we have built, even it may take longer than we anticipated. And people aren't going to remember how long it took, but that it looks nice," said Hosseini.

So no, it is not true. The pace of downtown construction is NOT due to supply chain issues.

Click here for the City of San Antonio project dashboard. Here is a link to the City's bond project for South Alamo Street. Here is a link to the bond project for Commerce, Santa Rosa, and San Saba streets.

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