MAP: What drivers need to know ahead of Katy Freeway closure

HOUSTON – It will be a traffic nightmare if you’re not prepared for this weekend’s closure on I-10.

If you haven’t heard already, CenterPoint Energy is shutting down the Katy Freeway from Saturday morning through Monday morning.

Why? According to CenterPoint, crews will be working on electric transmission lines along the freeway as part of a system enhancement. This construction is part of the company’s resiliency plan ahead of hurricane season.

READ: CenterPoint Energy to close parts of Katy Freeway this weekend

If you live in or are traveling to or from the Katy area, be prepared — or prepare to face the headache.

Here’s everything you need to know:

Impacted area (map)

All lanes in both directions of I-10 and westbound exit ramps from the the West Sam Houston Tollway will be closed.

The map below shows the shutdown will start westbound at Dairy Ashford Road until Beltway 8 and eastbound closure will start from Beltway 8 until Dairy Ashford Road.

Timeline

Start time: April 26, 5 a.m.

End time: April 28, 5 a.m.

Alternative routes

We asked ChatGPT about the best alternative routes driver should take if they are going eastbound or westbound on the Katy Freeway.

Westbound I-10 detour options (toward Katy)

• Exit at Beltway 8 (W. Sam Houston Tollway): Use the westbound frontage road to bypass the closure.
• Alternate Route via Westpark Tollway: Take Beltway 8 south to the Westpark Tollway westbound, then connect to SH-99 (Grand Parkway) north to rejoin I-10.
• Alternate Route via US-90 Alternate: Exit I-10 at Beltway 8, take Beltway 8 south to US-90 Alternate westbound, then connect to SH-99 north to rejoin I-10.​

Eastbound I-10 detour options (toward downtown Houston)

• Exit at Dairy Ashford Road: Use the eastbound frontage road to bypass the closure.
• Alternate Route via SH-6 and Westpark Tollway: Take SH-6 south to the Westpark Tollway eastbound, then connect to Beltway 8 north to rejoin I-10.
• Alternate Route via SH-6 and US-90 Alternate: Take SH-6 south to US-90 Alternate eastbound, then connect to Beltway 8 north to rejoin I-10.​

Tips for using navigation apps

• Google Maps: Ensure your app is updated and real-time traffic is enabled. Google Maps will automatically reroute you based on current traffic conditions.
• Waze: Waze relies on user-reported data to provide real-time traffic updates and can suggest alternate routes to avoid closures.
• Apple Maps: Make sure your app is updated. Apple Maps provides real-time traffic information and will suggest alternate routes during closures.