SAN ANTONIO – The discovery of a rare spider is putting a big highway construction project on hold. The construction has been going on at State Highway 151 and Loop 1604.
The Texas Department of Transportation started working on a $15 million underpass project there to ease that traffic. However, now that process has come to a halt because of the sighting of the Braken Bat Cave Meshweaver.
Texas DOT officials said an environmental consultant made the rare discovery while on the site about a week and a half ago. It was found in a 6-foot deep cave, located in the median where crews had been working, after rainfall exposed it.
The eyeless spider is considered an endangered species and not has been seen in more than three decades until now.
"Personally, for me, I'm curious," said Dolores Baker, a Northwest side resident. "So, if they stop, there must have been a good reason for it and if it's just a delay, be patient."
While some drivers were fascinated with what was found in the median, some drivers said they were concerned about what will TX DOT would do next to fix the problem.
"Are they going to reroute the project?" said Rick Gomez, a concerned driver. "Are they going to start a new project because the ramp would help."
Although the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service initially approved the construction plan, TX DOT officials said they will have to re-evaluate, leaving the construction project on hold indefinitely.
