I-45 NHHIP April 2015 Animation
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This video shows proposed improvements on the I-45 Project as they were proposed back in 2015. The first portion displayed is the part of I-45 from Beltway 8 down south to I-610 known as Segment 1. The roadway would have four general purpose lanes in each direction, with four managed lanes in the middle. There would be two managed lanes in each direction carrying High Occupancy Vehicle and METRO buses. Three-lane frontage roads would be on both sides of the roadway. 

The second video portion shows Segment 2 of the I-45 Project, the part of the roadway between the  

I-610 North Loop and I-10. Here again the proposal shows four general purpose lanes in each direction, and four managed lanes in the middle, two in each direction. However, in this configuration there would be two-lane frontage roads in each direction, located directly above the general purpose lanes. The area between the frontage roads, above the general purpose and managed lanes, could possibly have been used as green space developed by other groups. Ultimately this elevated frontage road configuration was not chosen. It is important to note that the approved project alternative calls for a few depressed roadway areas on top of which there could be green space developed by other groups.  

The third video portion shows the proposed I-45/I-10 interchange looking from the north to the south toward downtown Houston. Highlighted here are the I-45 northbound and southbound lanes in their new configuration, moving toward the east running parallel with I-10. This will require the removal of the Pierce Elevated, which is what the I-45 roadway is called in its current location on the west side of downtown. This video also shows the location of the Downtown Connectors, ramps to and from downtown which will be built where the Pierce Elevated is now. Also shown here are the I-10 express lanes, which will allow motorists to travel through the downtown area without having to mix with exiting and entering traffic. 

Moving on to the fourth video portion, which shows the west side of downtown where Allen Parkway would go under the Downtown Connectors. Also shown is the Downtown Connector exit to McKinney Street, and the entrance to the Downtown Connector from Walker Street. 

The fifth video portion shows the I-69/US 59/I-10 interchange on the northeast side of downtown Houston, from the north looking south. Clearly shown here is how I-45 would run parallel with I-10, before bending and running parallel with I-69/US 59. 

The sixth video portion shows the i-45/I-69/US 59 interchange on the southeast side of downtown. The direct connectors between I-45 and I-69/US 59 can be seen, as I-45 splits off from I-69. 

Video portion seven shows the I-69/US 59/SH 288 interchange, from the south looking north. The cross streets of Elgin, Tuam and McGowen would continue to travel over the roadway. 

The eighth and last video portion shows the I-69/US 59/SH 288 interchange again, this time from the northeast looking southwest. The major cross streets of Alabama and Almeda Road are shown as well.