Exit Closed for Northbound US 59 Traffic
The Texas Department of Transportation has closed a key downtown Houston exit as part of ongoing freeway construction. Beginning Tuesday morning, the US 59 northbound exit to Polk Street is now shut down and will remain closed through the end of June.
Drainage Installation for Major Freeway Project
According to TxDOT, the closure allows crews to install massive drainage culverts beneath the freeway. These installations are necessary for future changes coming to I-45 and US 59 in downtown as part of the long-term North Houston Highway Improvement Project (NHHIP).
Impact on Access to Downtown Destinations
The Polk Street exit is commonly used to access major downtown landmarks, including the George R. Brown Convention Center (GRB), Daikin Park, Toyota Center, Shell Energy Stadium, Discovery Green, and several prominent hotels and restaurants.
Suggested Detour Routes
Drivers heading north on US 59 are advised to take the Gray/Pierce exit instead. From there, motorists can reach Chartres Street or take Spur 527 into Midtown for alternate access to downtown.
Preparing for a New Downtown Freeway Layout
TxDOT spokesperson Danny Perez explained in an interview with our news partner ABC13 Houston that this drainage work lays the groundwork for a future transformation of Houston’s freeway system.
“The main lanes of I-45 and the main lanes of I-69, they’re going to be below grade, meaning they’re going to be depressed,” Perez said.
“To make that work, we’re going to have a significant drainage system in the area,” Perez told ABC13 Houston.
North Houston Highway Project Timeline
The North Houston Highway Improvement Project spans from North Beltway 8 down through downtown Houston. While the Polk exit closure is short term, the larger highway expansion will unfold in phases. Some parts of I-45 won’t see mainlane construction for years, and the full project isn’t expected to be completed until 2038.
Keep up with more developments on TxDOT’s North Houston Highway Improvement Project with us on Que Onda Magazine.