Public Notice: Essential Weekend Transit Alerts and Infrastructure Updates

Official Transit Advisory: Major Weekend Highway Closures

The City of Houston and Houston TranStar have issued critical road closure notices effective Saturday, February 14, 2026, through Monday, February 16, 2026. Residents and commuters are advised to plan alternative routes to avoid significant delays caused by ongoing infrastructure improvements and pavement repairs.

• IH-69 Southwest Freeway: Three outside lanes traveling southbound from University Boulevard to Riverbrook Drive remain closed continuously through 5:00 a.m. Monday.
• IH-45 Gulf Freeway: Two alternate lanes traveling northbound from Broadway Street to Griggs Road are closed for construction until Monday morning. Additionally, southbound mainlanes at El Dorado Boulevard are undergoing pavement repairs with multiple lane and shoulder closures.
• I-610 South Loop: Inside lanes will be closed daily from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. starting today through Friday, February 20.
• US-290 Northwest Connector: The northbound connector ramp from the I-610 West Loop will be subject to total nightly closures through February 18.

METRO Houston has also confirmed service detours for several routes, including Route 102 (Bush IAH) and Route 137 (Northshore Express), due to these construction projects. Passengers are encouraged to check the METRO mobile app for real-time arrival updates.

Public Works: Water Infrastructure Modernization

In alignment with the recent State of the City address, Houston Public Works is accelerating its initiative to modernize the municipal water system. The city has established a goal to replace approximately 200 miles of water lines annually, representing 3 percent of the total network. Current priority areas include underserved neighborhoods where aging pipes have caused frequent service disruptions. Officials report that the number of active broken pipes has been reduced from 1,900 to 400 over the last two years, with the objective of achieving zero legacy leaks by the end of the year.

City-County Partnership: Park Operations Update

The City of Houston has finalized a collaborative agreement with Harris County to enhance the maintenance and safety of local green spaces. Under this partnership, operations for Moody Park and Keith-Wiess Park have transitioned to Harris County Precinct 2. This move includes a $27.4 million investment in nearby public works projects, focusing on ADA-compliant sidewalks, new detention ponds, and reconstructed streets to improve park accessibility for all residents.

Public Health and Safety: Weather Monitoring

The Houston Health Department and local emergency management officials are monitoring a weather alert for possible stormy conditions on Saturday evening. While no immediate health advisories are in effect, residents are urged to secure outdoor items and remain vigilant for rapid changes in weather. Additionally, the city is continuing its wastewater monitoring program to track seasonal illness trends and ensure community wellness remains a top priority.