HOUSTON – President Donald Trump has arrived in Houston Thursday, and drivers should prepare for traffic delays and temporary road closures in parts of southeast Houston and near NASA’s Johnson Space Center.
Trump arrived at Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base around 5 p.m. before attending a Republican National Committee event Thursday evening.
The location of the RNC event has not been publicly disclosed.
Because of security surrounding the presidential visit, officials have not released Trump’s specific motorcade route. However, Google maps had I-45 to 610 closed after his arrival.
Drivers should expect temporary road closures and traffic holds in the Ellington Field area, NASA and Post Oak Plaza as the president arrives and departs.
Expect closures around Ellington and NASA
The biggest traffic impacts Thursday are expected around Ellington Field and the NASA area.
Roads in and around Ellington Field will be blocked or temporarily restricted as Trump’s motorcade moves through the area.
Drivers near NASA’s Johnson Space Center should also expect road closures and traffic disruptions as security preparations are put in place ahead of Trump’s Friday visit.
Motorcade-related closures can happen with little notice and may include intersections and connecting roads along the president’s travel path. Drivers should avoid the affected areas if possible and allow extra time for their commute.
Trump scheduled for RNC event Thursday
Trump is scheduled to participate in an RNC engagement at 6 p.m. Thursday.
The event is closed to the press, and its exact location has not been publicly announced. Houston Public Media previously reported Trump is expected to attend a Republican fundraiser during his Houston visit.
The event is expected to raise money for Republicans ahead of the November midterm elections, including the Texas U.S. Senate race between Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton and Democratic state Rep. James Talarico.
More traffic impacts expected Friday
Trump’s Houston visit continues Friday when he is scheduled to visit NASA’s Johnson Space Center.
The president is expected to present the Congressional Space Medal of Honor to the four members of the Artemis II crew during a ceremony scheduled for 10 a.m.
The honorees are NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch, along with Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen.
The Artemis II crew completed a 10-day mission around the Moon in April, becoming the first humans in more than 50 years to travel beyond the Moon.
Drivers heading toward Johnson Space Center Friday morning should expect additional road closures, security checkpoints and traffic delays around the NASA campus.
What drivers should do
If you’re traveling through southeast Houston or the NASA area Thursday or Friday:
Avoid the Ellington Field area if possible Thursday.
Expect sudden, temporary road closures and traffic holds.
Allow extra time for your commute.
Consider an alternate route if you’re heading toward NASA’s Johnson Space Center Friday morning.
Check Houston-area traffic conditions before leaving.
The exact timing and locations of closures can change based on the president’s movements and security needs.
KPRC 2 is monitoring Trump’s Houston visit and will provide updates on road closures, traffic impacts and other disruptions as officials release more information.
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