Major Midday Ramp Closures on I-10 and Ongoing 610 Bridge Repairs to Impact Wednesday Commutes

Houston Traffic Overview: Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Houston commuters should prepare for a mix of long-term construction projects and specific midday closures today, Wednesday, February 25. While weather conditions remain favorable with mostly cloudy skies and high temperatures reaching the low 80s, significant infrastructure projects on I-10 and the I-610 South Loop are expected to create localized bottlenecks throughout the day.

Critical Ramps Closures on I-10 Westbound

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has scheduled several total ramp closures on I-10 Westbound that will specifically impact those traveling during the late morning and early afternoon. Between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM today, the following exit ramps will be completely closed to traffic:

• Lockwood Drive: Drivers are advised to use Exit #20 C to Hirsch Road and utilize the U-turn to reach Lockwood.
• Kirkpatrick Blvd: Commuters should exit at Homestead Road (Exit #22) and follow detour signs.
• Homestead Road: Total closure of the exit ramp is also in effect during the same 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM window.

Ongoing Projects: I-10 and I-610 South Loop

The I-10 White Oak Bayou elevation project continues to cause major disruptions near downtown. Two outside lanes on I-10 Westbound from IH-45 to Studemont Street remain closed until further notice. Additionally, the I-10 Eastbound connector ramp to IH-45 North is fully closed, forcing drivers to detour via the I-610 West Loop to access the North Freeway.

On the I-610 South Loop, nightly bridge repair work between Buffalo Speedway and Kirby Drive remains active. While main lanes typically reopen by 5:00 AM, drivers should watch for lingering equipment and reduced speeds in the area. Frontage road maintenance is also scheduled for IH-69 Eastex between Kelley Street and Laura Koppe Road, with alternating lane closures expected between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM.

Public Transport and METRO Alerts

METRO Houston reports several detours today due to citywide construction. Route 5 (Southmore) and Route 11 (Almeda/Lyons) are operating on modified paths. Commuters using the I-45 North HOV/HOT lanes should note that access to and from Quitman Street and the I-10 Katy Freeway remains restricted. Additionally, Route 77 (Homestead) is under detour on Cheeves at Annunciation until early March. Riders are encouraged to check the RideMETRO app for real-time adjustments to their specific lines.

Commuter Safety Tips

With several major connector ramps out of service, parallel surface streets such as Washington Avenue and the I-10 frontage roads are expected to absorb additional traffic. Drivers are urged to allow at least 15 to 20 minutes of extra travel time during the midday hours and to remain alert for work crews near the Studemont and Houston Avenue bridge zones.