Major I-10 East Closure Due to Sinkhole; New METRO Schedules Begin in Houston

Commuter Alert: Major I-10 Closure and System-Wide METRO Updates

Houston commuters face a challenging Thursday morning as a massive sinkhole has forced the total closure of outbound lanes on the East Freeway (I-10). Coupled with the official implementation of the METRO February 2026 service changes, residents should prepare for significant delays and route adjustments across the metropolitan area.

Emergency Closure on I-10 East (East Freeway)

The primary concern for this morning's commute is a large sinkhole on I-10 East near the Federal Road exit. The failure, caused by a major water main break beneath the freeway on Wednesday afternoon, has resulted in the total closure of all eastbound lanes just outside the 610 Loop. While crews worked throughout the night alongside Houston Public Works to assess the damage, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has not provided a definitive timeline for reopening. One inbound lane also remains closed as a precaution.

Drivers traveling toward Channelview or Baytown should divert to Highway 90 or the 610 East Loop as early as possible. Expect heavy congestion to spill over into the surrounding surface streets and the 610 interchange as drivers seek alternate routes.

Major Roadworks and Freeway Adjustments

• I-45 North Southbound: The connector ramp to I-10 Katy westbound remains totally closed as part of ongoing long-term construction. This closure is expected to persist through June 2026.
• I-10 Katy Freeway: Two outside lanes are currently closed from I-45 to Studemont Street. This is a long-term project slated to continue through 2027. Additionally, the westbound entrance and exit ramps at Taylor Street are seeing active construction activity.
• 610 North Loop: Eastbound exit ramps at Ella Blvd, W T C Jester, and Durham Drive are experiencing daily closures from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for striping and maintenance.
• 610 South Loop: Expect alternate lane closures eastbound between Broadway Street and SH-225 during the mid-day hours for critical bridge repairs.

METRO Public Transit Changes

Starting today, Thursday, February 5, METRO has implemented its scheduled February 2026 service adjustments. These changes are part of the broader METRONow modernization plan and affect several high-traffic routes. Commuters using the following routes should check their new schedules immediately:

• Significant Schedule Adjustments: Routes 6, 9, 28, 56, 82, 99, 153, 217, 221, 222, 228, 265, and 270.
• Route Eliminations: Routes 64, 402, and the Z-Trip service have been permanently discontinued as of today.
• Active Detours: Route 40 (Telephone/Heights) is currently detoured due to a closure on Polk Street. Route 77 Homestead is also experiencing detours due to construction on Cheeves Drive.

Additionally, the I-45 North HOV/HOT lane access at Quitman Street to and from the I-10 Katy Freeway remains closed until further notice. Commuters are advised to utilize the remaining access points at White Oak Drive.

Safety Note for Third Ward Drivers

Residents in the Third Ward are cautioned about Almeda Road near the Medical Center. Recent reports highlight dangerously faded lane markings over a six-block stretch, particularly near Rosedale Street. Drivers should exercise extreme caution when navigating these lanes during the early morning hours or in rain, as the city continues to address striping delays.