Traffic alert generic graphic (TxDOT – HOU District/Twitter, TxDOT – HOU District/Twitter)
KATY, Texas – Houston drivers who use the I-10 Katy Freeway-Downtown HOV Connector will need to find another route starting Friday night as TxDOT begins a long-term closure for construction.
The connector is scheduled to close at 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, and will remain closed during demolition and reconstruction of a new elevated HOV structure.
The two-way connector provides access between I-10 and downtown Houston for HOV users, with the closure affecting the stretch between Studemont Street and downtown.
TxDOT is urging drivers to plan for alternate routes and allow extra travel time as traffic patterns adjust.
When will the I-10 HOV connector reopen?
The closure is expected to last for several years as crews demolish the existing connector and build the new structure.
Eastbound connector: Estimated to reopen in fall 2027
Westbound connector: Estimated to reopen in summer 2028
The work is part of TxDOT’s I-10 White Oak Bayou project, which aims to improve mobility and reliability along the busy freeway corridor.
What drivers should know
Drivers heading toward downtown can continue on the I-10 eastbound mainlanes and use the Smith Street exit.
Drivers leaving downtown can access the I-10 westbound mainlanes from Louisiana Street.
TxDOT said drivers should plan their routes ahead of the closure and expect changes as construction gets underway.
Copyright 2026 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.
About the AuthorBrittany Taylor headshot
Brittany Taylor
Award-winning journalist, mother, YouTuber, social media guru, millennial, mentor, storyteller, University of Houston alumna and Houston-native.
When and why you shouldn’t sign a medical releaseWhen and why you shouldn’t sign a medical release
Former Magnolia mayor pleads guilty, dodge jail timeFormer Magnolia mayor pleads guilty, dodge jail time
A Sugar Land mother is taking her family’s battle with health insurance to the Texas Capitol.A Sugar Land mother is taking her family’s battle with health insurance to the Texas Capitol.
Harris County’s cashless bail policy for misdemeanors upheldHarris County’s cashless bail policy for misdemeanors upheld
The latest on the system in the Gulf.The latest on the system in the Gulf.
Galveston County nonprofits see surge in families seeking help as cost of living climbsGalveston County nonprofits see surge in families seeking help as cost of living climbs
Houston, think you can get around without a car?Houston, think you can get around without a car?
She mailed $900 to pay a bill. Then it vanishedShe mailed $900 to pay a bill. Then it vanished
4 Corners Boxing Gym launches free youth program after Houston teen shootings4 Corners Boxing Gym launches free youth program after Houston teen shootings
Driving to the school bus stop? That’s a reality for some Houston families.Driving to the school bus stop? That’s a reality for some Houston families.
Why are Texas school districts struggling to provide bus transportation?Why are Texas school districts struggling to provide bus transportation?
$900 Stolen in the Mail$900 Stolen in the Mail
Sports Sunday rolls out tonight on #KPRC2 exactly 45 minutes after the gameSports Sunday rolls out tonight on #KPRC2 exactly 45 minutes after the game
The NHC upgraded development odds in the Bay of Campeche to 40%, or a “medium” chance.The NHC upgraded development odds in the Bay of Campeche to 40%, or a “medium” chance.
DELIVERY DRIVER COMES FACE TO FACE WITH GUNMAN IN NORTHEAST HOUSTONDELIVERY DRIVER COMES FACE TO FACE WITH GUNMAN IN NORTHEAST HOUSTON
Woman shot by police in NW HoustonWoman shot by police in NW Houston
HPD warn drivers about impaired driving after crash on Richmond AveHPD warn drivers about impaired driving after crash on Richmond Ave
Driver critically injured after fleeing officers, vehicle flips on Richmond AvenueDriver critically injured after fleeing officers, vehicle flips on Richmond Avenue
Possibility of tropical development in the GulfPossibility of tropical development in the Gulf
Principal is coming back, Tomball ISD says she was disciplinedPrincipal is coming back, Tomball ISD says she was disciplined
Previous videoNext video