Construction Closures on IH-610 North Loop and IH-10 Katy Freeway to Impact Wednesday Commute

Morning Commute Overview

Houston commuters are facing a heavy slate of roadworks this Wednesday, February 4, 2026. While the morning has remained relatively free of major high-impact collisions during the early hours, significant scheduled maintenance and long-term infrastructure projects are creating bottlenecks across several major arteries. Temperatures are starting in the mid-50s with sunny skies, providing clear visibility, but drivers should prepare for delays near the North Loop and the Katy Freeway corridor.

Major Construction and Exit Closures

The most significant impact this morning is found on the IH-610 North Loop. Starting today and continuing through the end of the week, total closures of several eastbound exit ramps are scheduled daily from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Impacted exits include W.T.C. Jester Boulevard, Ella Boulevard, and Durham Drive. Commuters heading toward these areas are advised to use Exit #14 (Ella) or Exit #15 (Durham) as detours, followed by U-turns to reach their destinations.

On the IH-10 Katy Freeway, construction remains active between Heights Boulevard and the I-45 Hogan Street interchange. Expect alternating lane closures on the mainlanes and the frontage roads, particularly near Studemont Street where bridge work continues. These closures are part of the ongoing White Oak Bayou elevation project and are expected to cause slow-moving traffic throughout the midday period.

Additional Roadwork Alerts

• SH-99 (Grand Parkway): A total closure remains in effect in both directions at Champion Forest Drive. This long-term project is expected to continue through late May, requiring drivers to utilize the frontage roads.
• SH-249 (Tomball Parkway): Expect a continuous inside lane closure between FM-1960 and Perry Road.
• IH-45 Frontage Roads: While the overnight striping on FM-2004 and the Washburn Tunnel closure have cleared as of 5:00 AM, some residual congestion remains near the Earnestine interchange at IH-45.

Public Transportation and METRO Updates

METRO users should be aware of several construction-related detours affecting local bus service. Route 5 (Southmore), Route 25 (Richmond), and Route 40 (Telephone/Heights) are currently operating on modified paths due to city street repairs. Additionally, the I-45 North HOV/HOT lane access and egress points at Quitman Street to and from the I-10 Katy Freeway remain closed until further notice. Commuters who typically transition between these two freeways via the HOV lanes should plan for an alternate route through the downtown stack.

Commuter Advice

With major exit closures beginning at 9:00 AM on the North Loop, midday travelers should consider using the Sam Houston Tollway as an alternative to avoid the 610/I-10 congestion. Transit riders are encouraged to check the METRO mobile app for real-time bus locations as detour-related delays may affect arrival times during peak hours.