HOUSTON – This weekend in Houston, the roads are expected to be packed with activity as residents and visitors travel in and out of town while others engage in last-minute Christmas and holiday shopping.
With several construction projects underway throughout the Houston area and increased traffic volumes, it’s a good idea to plan your travel to avoid the headache of frustrating delays.
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Here’s what you need to know and how you can steer clear of congestion.
Hotspots to watch out for:
IH-610 South Loop (westbound) closure
Complete closure from S Wayside Drive to Calais Road.
Timeline: 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20 - 5 a.m. Monday, Dec. 23.
Impact: Expect heavy delays as traffic is detoured to the frontage road. This area is especially busy with nearby retail and residential areas.
Avoidance tip: Use Beltway 8 or IH-45 as alternate routes for east-west travel.
IH-45 Northbound (near downtown) closure
Two alternate lanes closed from Cavalcade St to IH-10 Katy Freeway.
Timeline: Nightly from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Impact: Congestion in the downtown area, affecting both local and through traffic.
Avoidance tip: Consider traveling during off-peak hours or using Hardy Toll Road.
IH-610 West Loop/IH-69 Southwest Freeway Interchange Construction
Ongoing improvements with lane shifts.
Impact: Slower traffic and potential backups at the interchange.
Avoidance tip: Plan your route using the Sam Houston Tollway or surface streets like Post Oak Boulevard.
SH-146 Northbound (La Porte) closure
Total closure from McCabe Road to Wharton Weems Boulevard.
Timeline: Nightly from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Impact: Delays for those traveling towards the Port of Houston or connecting to SH-225.
Avoidance tip: Use Highway 225 or FM 518 as detours.
Key travel periods
Peak times: Late morning through evening on Saturday and Sunday, as shoppers and travelers hit the road.
Holiday shopping areas
Expect significant congestion near major malls like The Galleria, Memorial City Mall, and Sugar Land Town Square.
Out-of-Town travelers
Watch for increased traffic on major highways like IH-10, IH-45, and US-59/IH-69.
Tips for navigating this weekend
- Use real-time traffic apps: Tools like Waze and Houston TranStar’s traffic map provide live updates on congestion and closures.
- Plan ahead: Avoid peak hours by running errands early in the morning or late at night.
- Consider public transit: METRO buses and light rail can help bypass traffic, especially in shopping and downtown areas.
- Pack your patience: With more drivers on the road, expect delays and stay calm. Use the extra time to enjoy holiday tunes or an audiobook.
Alternate routes to save time
- For westbound travelers avoiding IH-610 South Loop, try using Beltway 8.
- To bypass IH-45 downtown, the Hardy Toll Road offers a reliable alternative.
- Navigating between IH-610 and IH-69? Take surface streets like Westpark Dr or Richmond Ave.
By staying informed and planning ahead, you can make your weekend travel and holiday shopping a smoother experience. Happy holidays, and safe travels, Houston!