Saturday Traffic Alert: Icy Overpasses and Total Closures on I-45

Freeze Warning and Road Hazards

Houston commuters should prepare for a challenging Saturday as a combination of freezing temperatures and significant construction projects impact major arteries across the metro area. With a hard freeze in effect this weekend, authorities have warned that moisture on the roads could create slick spots, particularly on elevated surfaces such as bridges and overpasses.

• Expect temperatures to hover between 30°F and 42°F today, with wind chills making it feel significantly colder.
• Exercise extreme caution on flyovers and the I-610 West Loop, which are prone to icing before ground-level streets.

Major Construction Closures

In addition to the weather-related hazards, several planned construction projects will cause significant delays throughout the day. Motorists are advised to plan alternative routes or allow for substantial extra travel time.

• I-45 in Galveston County: A total closure is in effect eastbound and westbound from I-45 to I-45 in the Texas City and La Marque areas. These closures are scheduled daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM today, Saturday, January 31, and tomorrow, Sunday, February 1. Detours are in place via the frontage roads and Delaney Road.
• I-10 Katy Freeway: Two outside westbound lanes remain closed until further notice from I-45 Gulf/Hogan Street to Studemont Street. This is part of the ongoing I-10 White Oak Bayou elevation project and Studemont Street Bridge demolition. Traffic in this corridor should expect consistent delays.
• SH-99 Grand Parkway: A total closure continues both northbound and southbound at Champion Forest. This is a long-term construction project affecting all through-traffic in the area.
• I-10 East: While the weeknight total closure of the eastbound exit ramp to Waco Street is scheduled to end at 5:00 AM this morning, motorists should watch for residual equipment and localized lane tapering.

Public Transit and METRO Alerts

Houston METRO has announced several service adjustments and detours due to both the cold weather and localized construction projects.

• Route 40 (Telephone/Heights) & Route 41 (Kirby/Polk): These routes are currently detoured until further notice because of construction at the intersection of Polk and Emancipation. Riders should check for updated stop locations.
• I-45 North HOV/HOT Lanes: Access and egress points at Quitman to and from the I-10 Katy Freeway are closed until further notice.
• Weather Precautions: METRO is monitoring rail platforms and transit centers for ice accumulation. Commuters are advised to dress warmly as some routes may experience limited trip restorations if road conditions deteriorate due to the freeze.

If you must travel today, allow extra time for your journey and avoid using cruise control on potentially icy roads. For those in need of assistance, 12 warming centers across the City of Houston remain open 24 hours a day to provide safety and heat during the freeze.