Houston drivers face continuing downtown and I-10 construction restrictions

Houston drivers face continuing restrictions on westbound I-10 near downtown and a sequence of Hamilton Street and Tuam Street closures that changes Monday, Aug. 17.

The Houston TranStar construction schedule for Saturday, Aug. 15, through Monday, Aug. 17, lists the work as weather permitting. Closure dates and times may change because of weather or other unforeseen conditions.

Two westbound I-10 lanes remain closed

Two outside westbound lanes of I-10 are closed between I-45 Gulf/Hogan Street and Studemont Street until further notice. Traffic remains on the corridor, but TranStar says drivers should expect delays.

The lane reduction is tied to the I-10 White Oak Bayou elevation project and demolition of the Studemont Street Bridge. It does not mean all westbound I-10 lanes are closed.

I-45 connector requires a posted detour

The southbound I-45 connector to westbound I-10 is closed until further notice. Drivers coming from southbound I-45 who need the westbound I-10 mainlanes should continue on I-45 and take the exit ramp to eastbound I-10.

The posted route directs motorists to exit at McKee Street/Hardy Street, turn left onto Hardy Street, turn left onto Providence Street and use the Providence Street entrance ramp to reach westbound I-10.

That is posted agency guidance, not a guarantee of travel time or traffic conditions.

Hamilton and Tuam closures continue through Monday

Hamilton Street southbound at Tuam Street is closed continuously through 3 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17. The posted detour sends traffic right onto McGowen Street, left onto Chenevert Street and left onto Elgin Street before returning to Hamilton.

Tuam Street is closed in both directions between Hamilton and Chartres streets through 3 p.m. Aug. 17. Westbound drivers are directed to Chartres, McGowen and Chenevert before returning to Tuam. Eastbound drivers are directed to Chenevert, Elgin and Chartres before returning to Tuam.

Hamilton closure changes at 3 p.m. Aug. 17

Beginning at 3 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17, Hamilton Street southbound from Tuam Street to Elgin Street is scheduled to remain closed through 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9.

The posted detour uses Tuam Street, Chenevert Street and Elgin Street. An alternative route sends southbound traffic left onto Tuam, right onto Hutchins Street and right onto Elgin before continuing to Hamilton.

Oct. 9 is a scheduled end time, not a guarantee. Drivers should check the current Houston TranStar construction schedule shortly before leaving because work plans can change.

Project is intended to reduce flood risk

TxDOT says the $400 million White Oak Bayou project will raise the I-10 mainlanes between Heights Boulevard and I-45 above the floodplain, reducing the risk that major rainfall will make the roadway impassable. The work also includes reconstruction of the Houston Avenue Bridge beneath the elevated I-10 mainlanes.

For commuters and downtown street traffic, the practical effect is a continuing westbound I-10 lane reduction, a separate I-45 connector detour and changing local-street routes beginning Monday afternoon.

Because the schedule is weather dependent, drivers should review the current Houston TranStar construction schedule before departure.

Sources

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