New Braunfels’ Klein Road construction done; businesses anticipate improved accessibility

NEW BRAUNFELS – After years of construction delays, residents and business owners along Klein Road in New Braunfels are breathing a sigh of relief as a major road widening project was finally completed.

The project, funded by a 2019 bond, involved the completion of three-quarters of a mile of road.

While the work aimed to improve traffic flow and safety, it presented challenges for many, particularly local business owners like Jerry Rivera, owner of Sweet Magnolia’s Pet Resort and Spa.

“We’re already dealing with our own construction here for our business, and then having to deal with it out there on the road, with utilities being moved and everything else—it was definitely a struggle,” Rivera said.

Sweet Magnolia’s, located just off Klein Road, opened its doors shortly before the construction began.

The disruption, including the removal of a business sign and changes to road access, made it difficult for Rivera to attract customers.

“They had to take down our sign when they moved the road 40 feet, so I ended up putting swooper flags out there to make it easier for people to find us,” Rivera explained.

Another significant challenge was the delayed installation of traffic lights, which took over three years.

Rivera noted that the prolonged construction created further obstacles for customers trying to access his business.

“Unfortunately, that light took about three and a half years to finish, and moving all the utilities really affected people’s ability to get into our business,” he said. “So, we just had to have patience with them.”

Now that the project is nearing completion, Rivera is hopeful the finished road will bring more traffic—and customers—to his business.

“Potentially, it does have the opportunity to drive more customers through just because of the sheer volume of cars on the road,” he said. “Now that we’ll be able to put our new sign back out there, we’re excited to see more drivers.”

As the final phase of construction wraps up, New Braunfels residents and businesses alike are eager to see the long-awaited improvements to Klein Road come to fruition.