SAN ANTONIO (October 2, 2012)--A $15 million San Antonio highway underpass project underway since spring will be scrapped and completely redesigned after a rare spider was found on the construction site.
The Braken Bat Cave meshweaver was found about a month ago at the Texas 151-Loop 1604 intersection in northwestern San Antonio.
The spider, which is on the federal endangered species list, was found after rain exposed a 6-foot-deep natural hole on a median.
Texas Department of Transportation spokesman Josh Donat said the state scrapped plans for the underpass after consulting with federal wildlife and transportation officials.
He said the contractor has been released and an overpass design will be needed to avoid disturbing the habitat.
The new design will need federal approval since the habitat is protected.
