Houston drivers face major delays as TxDOT begins long-term I-10 closures, ramp shutdowns, and a full weekend shutdown tied to the White Oak Bayou project.

HOUSTON — Houston commuters are in for a challenging stretch as the Texas Department of Transportation launches a major traffic switch tied to the I-10 White Oak Bayou Elevation Project.

Beginning Thursday night, drivers should expect multiple ramp shutdowns, some lasting through mid-2028, along with major weekend closures that will create delays across several freeway corridors.


Long-term closures beginning Thursday night

TxDOT says the first major shutdown happens at 10 p.m. Thursday when the ramp connecting the Katy Freeway eastbound into downtown to I-45 North closes. This closure is expected to last more than two years, through mid-2028, while crews rebuild the elevated connector.

Also beginning Thursday night, another long-term closure will affect drivers traveling from the North Freeway southbound to the Katy Freeway westbound.

This includes the HOV connector ramp.

This closure is expected to remain in place until the middle of next year.


Weekend closures start Friday night

More closures begin Friday at 10 p.m., bringing significant weekend impacts:

The North Freeway’s northbound connector to the Katy Freeway westbound lanes, the ramp that travels under the train tracks, will close Friday night and is expected to reopen by 5 a.m. Monday.The I-10 Katy westbound connector to the Gulf Freeway southbound lanes will also close Friday at 10 p.m. and is expected to stay closed until 5 a.m. Monday.


Full I-10 closure westbound this weekend

The biggest disruption comes with the complete closure of the I-10 westbound main lanes from I-45 to Taylor Street.

This total shutdown will last throughout the weekend until 5 a.m. Monday. After the full closure ends, I-10 will be reduced from three lanes to two, and that lane reduction is expected to stay in place until the middle of next year.


Additional closures and what drivers should do

TxDOT says two other on-ramp closures are planned this weekend, and a detailed map is available online to help drivers navigate the changes.

Motorists are urged to plan extra time, follow detour signs, and expect heavy traffic through construction zones as work continues.