Relief for I-69 Commuters as Alabama Street Bridge Demolition Postponed; I-10 Delays Persist

Morning Commute Overview for Monday, February 9, 2026

Houston commuters are starting the work week with some unexpected relief on the east side of downtown, though major infrastructure projects continue to slow traffic on other primary arteries. The biggest news this morning is the postponement of the highly anticipated Alabama Street bridge demolition. Originally slated for completion this morning, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has delayed the work, meaning lanes on I-69 between Chenevert and St. Emanuel streets are currently open to traffic.

I-45 and I-69 Transition Updates

While the Alabama Street bridge delay provides a reprieve, other portions of the North Houston Highway Improvement Project (NHHIP) remain active. Drivers should be aware of the following conditions:

• Chartres Street: The full closure of Chartres Street from Commerce Street to Runnels Street has been extended through March 28, 2026. This long-term closure is necessary for the installation of critical storm sewer infrastructure.
• St. Emanuel Street: While portions of St. Emanuel from Preston to Texas Avenue have recently reopened, the stretch between Texas Avenue and Rusk Street remains closed for ongoing sanitary sewer work.
• I-45 Gulf Freeway: Weekend lane closures near Broadway Street and Woodridge Drive have cleared as of 5:00 AM. However, minor congestion is expected as traffic patterns return to normal.

Major Construction: I-10 White Oak Bayou Elevation

The I-10 White Oak Bayou elevation project continues to be a primary source of delays for those traveling between the Heights and downtown. This $400 million project, aimed at raising the freeway to mitigate flooding, is currently in a disruptive phase involving bridge work and lane reductions. Commuters should expect significant delays near Studemont Street where bridge demolition and elevation work are ongoing. Recommended detours include using the I-610 North Loop to avoid the downtown bottleneck.

I-610 South Loop and Regional Alerts

On the South Loop, motorists should prepare for daily alternate lane closures westbound from Broadway Street to Woodridge. These closures are scheduled to run from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM through Tuesday, February 10. Additionally, lane reductions remain in place on SH-249 between FM-1960 and Perry Road, with the inside lane closed continuously until next week.

Public Transit and HOV Status

METRO Houston has confirmed that all HOV and HOT lanes on I-45 South have reopened as of 4:00 AM following scheduled maintenance over the weekend. Riders on Route 041 (Kirby/Polk) should note that detours remain in effect at Kirby Drive and Holcombe Boulevard due to local construction. Commuters are encouraged to utilize the METRORail Red Line, which is currently operating on a regular weekday schedule and remains the most reliable option for reaching the Texas Medical Center and Downtown during heavy highway construction phases.