Kaur Proposes No Surprises Construction Policy

San Antonio Councilwoman Sukh Kaur seeks standardized public notice for road and sidewalk projects that disrupt city infrastructure.

Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Construction

Isometric editorial illustration of an open utility trench across a sidewalk beside stacked concrete pipe sections, in cream, slate, and oxblood. — San Antonio Councilwoman Sukh Kaur proposed a citywide "No Surprises" policy requiring standardized public notice before road and sidewalk construction, citing a survey finding more than 90% of residents encountered unannounced work. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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San Antonio Councilwoman Sukh Kaur filed a citywide "No Surprises" construction policy proposal this week. The proposal would create a standardized system to notify the public about infrastructure projects that will disrupt city roads and walkways.

Why it matters

Kaur said residents deserve timely information about changes that affect their daily lives. A survey by her office and the city found that more than 90% of people encountered construction they were not aware of ahead of time.

More than 90% of people encountered construction they were not aware of ahead of time in a recent six-month period, according to a survey that received more than 200 responses. The proposal would also require projects lasting more than one week to be flagged on Google Maps, Apple Maps, and Waze.

The players

Sukh Kaur

San Antonio City Council member who filed the No Surprises construction policy proposal and represents a district that has faced years-long construction projects.

San Antonio Water System

The city's water utility, which shut down a stretch of Hildebrand Avenue between McCullough Avenue and Devine Road to replace old pipes.

VIA Metropolitan Transit

San Antonio's public transit agency, which already maintains its own website and alert system for construction affecting its services.

The details

The proposal calls for text, email, and mailer updates, project-specific websites, and digital signs for different project types. It would require certain permit applications to include start and completion dates and prohibit permits for projects with broad, unspecified timelines. Project heads would also stay in contact with businesses in project areas and hold monthly meetings with them.

Last year: The city split its Public Works Department in two to speed up construction projects.
Recent six-month period: The survey found more than 90% of people encountered unexpected construction.
This week: Kaur filed the No Surprises policy proposal.
Monday, 9 a.m.: Monthly construction meeting at Volare Restaurant for small business owners.
March: Hildebrand Avenue is expected to fully reopen after San Antonio Water System pipe replacement.

Market Landscape

The proposal follows the city's split of its Public Works Department last year, an effort to speed up construction across San Antonio. The No Surprises policy shifts the focus from pace of work to how clearly the public is told about disruptions.

Drivers and pedestrians could receive earlier notice of road and walkway closures through text, email, digital signs, and map app flags for projects lasting more than one week. Small business owners on San Pedro and West Hildebrand avenues may gain a direct channel to project managers through monthly meetings.

The takeaway

Business owners and residents near active construction can check city alerts and attend project meetings to stay ahead of disruptions. Early notice may reduce surprises as the policy moves through council committees.