The highway won’t come cheap. A proposed link between numerous area activity centers could run over $115 million a mile. Despite the daunting numbers, a number of groups have mobilized to back the project. The San Antonio Business Journal reports the highway would pass by the Toyota Manufacturing Plant, Texas A&M, San Antonio and University Health. It would connect Interstates 37 and 35 south of Loop 410.

The Alamo Regional Mobility Authority could begin to move forward by initiating schematic and design work within a matter of months. There are plenty of hurdles beyond funding for the $1.5 billion project, including the need for an environmental impact study. Interest from the federal government will also be essential.

But what began as informal talks among potential stakeholders about transportation challenges south of downtown San Antonio has turned into a far more serious conversation about the threat of economic gridlock without such investments.