Emergency repairs on the Houston Avenue Bridge will begin this weekend, causing significant closures on the I-10 Katy Freeway and surrounding routes. Drivers should plan ahead: the work runs from Friday evening through early Monday.
What to Expect in Closures
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From 9 p.m. Friday through 5 a.m. Monday, the I-10 eastbound main lanes between Shepherd Drive and Houston Avenue will be closed for repair work. fox26houston.com
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The northbound and southbound lanes of the Houston Avenue Bridge at its intersection with I-10 will also be shut down. fox26houston.com
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On I-10 eastbound, between Antoine Drive and Shepherd Drive, the four left lanes will be closed — one lane may remain open for local traffic only. fox26houston.com
Suggested Detour Routes
To avoid the worst congestion, here are alternate paths:
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Exit I-10 to the eastbound I-10 frontage road, left on Shepherd Drive → left onto the I-10 westbound frontage → re-enter I-10 via the next available ramp.
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For more major detours: use I-610 West Loop northbound connector to I-610 North Loop eastbound, then I-45 southbound, reconnecting to I-10 eastbound. fox26houston.com
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For traffic heading north across Houston Avenue: right on Hogan Street → left on North Main → left on Quitman → right onto Houston Avenue. fox26houston.com
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Southbound traffic: left on Quitman → right on North Fulton → right on Hogan → left on Houston Avenue. fox26houston.com
Why the Repair Is Needed & What’s Next
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The bridge has been struck multiple times in recent weeks, prompting concerns that require emergency structural maintenance. ABC13 Houston+1
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Although the bridge passed inspection in late 2024 with no major structural issues, repeated hits (particularly from over-height vehicles) have led officials to act. Houston Chronicle+1
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The bridge is due for a full reconstruction under the I-10 White Oak Bayou Elevation Project. The plan anticipates rebuilding the Houston Avenue Bridge to run under I-10, with construction slated to begin in early 2027. ABC13 Houston+1
What Drivers Should Do
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Avoid traveling on the affected stretch of I-10 eastbound during closure hours if possible.
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Give yourself extra time or adjust travel routes. Using I-610 or I-45 as alternatives may be beneficial.
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Pay attention to posted detour signs and adjust following GPS routes that account for the closures.
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If regularly commuting through the area, consider earlier departure times or alternate paths to beat peak congestion.
Bottom Line
This weekend’s closures will create major disruptions along I-10 near Houston Avenue. The repair work is urgent — repeated bridge strikes have made it necessary. Plan ahead, follow the detours, and brace for delays. When the bridge is rebuilt in a few years, that stretch should see major relief — but for now, patience and alternate routes are the best defense.
