Rodeo Prep and Major I-610 East Loop Closures: Houston Sunday Traffic Guide

Rodeo Fever and Weekend Roadworks

As Houstonians prepare for the official kickoff of the 2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo tomorrow, traffic across the metro area remains a blend of event-driven congestion and significant infrastructure projects. While Sunday mornings typically offer lighter volume, several long-term construction projects and event-related closures in the downtown core are expected to impact travel times today, Sunday, March 1.

Key Freeway Closures and Highway Alerts

Commuters utilizing the East Loop should plan for significant detours due to ongoing TxDOT projects. The following closures are currently in effect through the morning of Monday, March 2:

• I-610 East Loop Northbound: The connector ramp to I-10 East is under a total closure. Motorists are advised to continue northbound, exit at Wallisville Road, and U-turn back to the southbound lanes to access the I-10 direct connectors.
• I-610 East Loop Southbound: Expect a total closure from Lawndale to SH-225 between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM today. Traffic will be diverted to SH-225 Westbound, where drivers can U-turn at Broadway to reach SH-225 Eastbound.
• I-10 Katy Freeway: Near the White Oak Bayou area, westbound lanes remain reduced between I-45 and Studemont Street due to bridge demolition and elevation work. Expect significant delays approaching the downtown split.
• I-10 Katy (Frontage Road): Northbound frontage road lanes from Colonial Parkway to Franz Road in Katy will remain closed until 10:00 PM tonight.

Downtown Impacts: NCA Cheer and Convention District

Downtown Houston continues to see high activity today as the NCA Cheer Competition concludes at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Heavy pedestrian traffic is expected around the East End, and drivers should note the following street restrictions:

• Avenida de las Americas: Southbound lanes are closed from the Avenida Central Garage to Lamar Street through 11:00 PM tonight.
• Polk Street: A total closure is in place between Chartres Street and Avenida de las Americas for the ongoing Convention District Transformation Project. Motorists are encouraged to use Pease Street or St. Joseph Parkway as alternatives.

Public Transit and Rodeo Shuttles

For those heading toward NRG Park for pre-rodeo activities or to visit the grounds before the official start, METRO is the recommended travel method. METRORail service is operating on its standard Sunday schedule, providing direct access to the Stadium (Red Line). Note that METRO Route 077 (Homestead) remains on detour through tomorrow morning due to construction on Cheeves at Annunciation. If you are using the Rodeo Express shuttles from the Woodway or Reed Road lots, ensure you have pre-purchased parking through the official mobile app to avoid delays at the cashless gate entrances.