Spring breakers heading to Port Aransas on Highway 361 will have a smoother journey this year, thanks to a new beach access road aimed at easing traffic congestion.
PORT ARANSAS, Texas — As the first rush of spring breakers arrives this weekend, a new beach access road has opened on Highway 361 in Port Aransas.
It’s no secret that heading to and from Port Aransas during Spring Break can turn into a nightmare. It’s something visitor Mike Farley doesn’t look forward to.
“It backs up something really badly. So, you know, I try to avoid it like the plague at that time of year,” Farley said.
As the only road into the city, South Highway 361 sees a lot of traffic.
But Port Aransas Police Chief James Stokes said drivers could see a change this season.
“So we have a new access road that just got opened up this week. It’s been in the works for a couple of years. They finally got it completed right before spring break, so it’s open and ready for travel,” Stokes said.
Just south of Cinnamon Shore North, Stokes said Beach Access Road 1-B could help improve traffic flow.
“So for spring break, we’re going to deploy some temporary traffic lights along 361 in two different locations. One of them is going to be at Access Road 1B, so that’s going to be a new addition. We’re going to run that traffic light during spring break to help control the traffic that comes off the access road and give drivers an opportunity to get onto the highway by using those traffic lights. We’ll also have one at Access Road 1,” Stokes said.
Farley hopes the new road will make a difference this Spring Break.
“I’m just excited there’s another way to get in and out of the beach. And I’m sure for police and first responders it’s got to be a lot better too. They can get to people when they need to, so it’s got to be good,” Farley said.
Chief Stokes said they’re expecting around 150,000 people to visit Port Aransas this year and is urging drivers to be patient along Highway 361.