HOUSTON – The jokes about Houston always being under construction probably aren’t funny anymore, but such is life.
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TxDOT has announced a $400 million construction project as part of the I-10 White Oak Bayou Elevation Project and raise the roadway above flood risks.
Work begins Friday, October 24, when drivers will likely be punching their steering wheels as construction reduces the westbound mainlanes on I-10 between I-45 North Freeway and Houston Avenue to just two lanes.
Drivers should expect these changes through mid-2026. The lane reduction is necessary to make way for the new elevated westbound mainlanes, which will overlap the footprint of the existing lanes.
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Other major impacts drivers should be aware of:
- The I-45 Southbound direct connector to I-10 Westbound (including the HOV lane) will be totally closed and remain so through mid-2026, to allow full removal and reconstruction at the new elevation.
- The I-10 Eastbound direct connector to I-45 Northbound will also be fully closed for the duration of the project (phased through mid-2028).
- The project includes raising the I-10 mainlanes above the White Oak Bayou floodplain between Heights Boulevard and I-45, rebuilding the HOV lanes, and reconstructing the Houston Avenue Bridge.
“While we will continue to make outstanding progress as this project continues, during construction, drivers are advised to follow posted detour signs and remain vigilant of changing traffic patterns,” TxDOT said in its news release. “Patience and caution will be essential to ensure safety as construction advances.”