Major Construction Shifts Begin
Houston commuters are bracing for another round of major shutdowns along I-10 as TxDOT advances its $400 million White Oak Bayou project. The effort aims to elevate I-10’s mainlanes to prevent the frequent flooding that has historically forced highway closures during major storms.
Ramps Closing for Years
Beginning Thursday, Dec. 4, at 10 p.m., two key connector ramps will shut down:
- I-10 eastbound to I-45 northbound – closed until mid-2028
- I-45 southbound to I-10 westbound – closed until mid-2026
The HOV lane at the interchange will no longer allow exits onto I-10 westbound, though TxDOT says downtown access via HOV will remain available.
Full Weekend Shutdown on I-10 Westbound
Starting Friday, Dec. 5, at 10 p.m., all westbound I-10 mainlanes between I-45 and Taylor will close through Monday at 5 a.m. for major reconfiguration. When the freeway reopens, westbound I-10 will be reduced to two lanes from I-45 to Houston Avenue, while the segment from Houston Avenue to Studemont will stay at three lanes. These reduced lanes are expected to continue through mid-2026 as crews build elevated westbound mainlanes.
Project Includes Houston Avenue Bridge Rebuild
The long-term construction also includes completely reconstructing the Houston Avenue bridge, adding to the extensive traffic impacts through at least 2026.
For more traffic updates, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.