HOUSTON — Drivers across the Houston region should prepare for years of significant traffic disruptions as the Texas Department of Transportation advances Phase 1 of the I-10 White Oak Bayou Elevation Project. The multi-year effort will elevate a key stretch of Interstate 10 to reduce flood risk and reconstruct critical infrastructure, with major lane reductions and ramp closures beginning this week.
Phase 1 includes the I-10 westbound main lanes from I-45 to Studemont Street. The planned improvements will elevate the highway from Heights Boulevard to I-45 to prevent flooding from White Oak Bayou. The project also includes the removal and complete reconstruction of the Houston Avenue Bridge, which will be rebuilt to run under the elevated lanes — a change aimed at eliminating the frequent over-height truck strikes that have plagued the structure for years.
Construction Progress Underway
TxDOT reports significant progress on Phase 1 as crews work on new pavement, bridges and supporting structures. Current construction includes:
- Building westbound mainlanes and frontage road pavement
- Installation of foundations, drilled shafts, columns, bents, beams and bridge decks
- Subgrade stabilization and concrete paving
As part of ongoing work:
- I-10 westbound mainlanes between I-45 and Studemont are reduced to three lanes
- The I-45 northbound exit ramp to the I-10 westbound connector is reduced to one lane
Nightly Closures and Trail Impacts
Drivers should expect continued periodic nightly closures of alternating entrance and exit ramps, including direct connectors to and from I-45. In addition, closures will occur on:
- Studemont Street
- The I-10 westbound frontage road between Studemont and Heights
- Portions of the White Oak Greenway Trail at the Little White Oak Bayou crossing
Major Traffic Switch Begins December 4
A significant traffic switch is scheduled to begin December 4, 2025, affecting several major routes:
Lane Reductions and Ramp Closures
- I-10 westbound mainlanes between I-45 and Houston Avenue will be reduced to two lanes through mid-2026
- Total closure of the I-45 southbound direct connector to I-10 westbound, including the HOV lane, from December 4 through mid-2026
- Total closure of the I-10 westbound mainlanes from I-45 Gulf/Hogan to Taylor Street from 10 p.m. Friday, December 5 to 5 a.m. Monday, December 8. Afterward, lanes will be reduced from three to two through mid-2026.
Long-Term Connector Closures
- I-10 eastbound connector to I-45 northbound will close at 10 p.m. December 4 and remain closed until mid-2028
- I-45 southbound connector to I-10 westbound (Katy Freeway) — including the HOV lane — will close at 10 p.m. December 4 and is expected to reopen mid-2026
TxDOT says these long-term closures are necessary to remove outdated structures and rebuild connectors at the new elevated height.
Project Goals and Timeline
Officials emphasize that the White Oak Bayou elevation project is designed to reduce flood-related shutdowns and improve safety along one of Houston’s busiest transportation corridors. By elevating key sections of the freeway and rebuilding the Houston Avenue Bridge, TxDOT aims to enhance long-term traffic flow and infrastructure resilience.
“We continue to make great progress,” officials said. “Each day we work with the contractor to take every opportunity to accelerate work where we can. The goal is to complete this project as quickly as possible while minimizing impacts to the traveling public.”
Where to Find Closure Updates
For the full list of closures and detours, residents should visit Houston TranStar – Road Construction. TxDOT Houston also provides updates on X, Facebook, Instagram and Threads.
All closures are subject to change due to weather.
