I-10 White Oak Bayou elevation project

3rd Quarterly project update - June 2026

As we move into Phase 1-4B, construction continues to advance steadily on Phase 1 of the I-10 White Oak Bayou Elevation Project. Since our last update, significant progress has been made along the I-10 westbound mainlanes between I-45 and Studemont Street, marking another important milestone in the delivery of this critical infrastructure improvement.

A key achievement during this reporting period was the opening of the new Taylor Street entrance ramp, which became operational in April and has enhanced access to westbound I-10 while helping improve traffic flow throughout the corridor. Additionally, repairs to the MKT Trail bridge have been successfully completed, and the bridge has reopened for public use, restoring an important connection for trail users and the surrounding community.

These accomplishments reflect the continued dedication of TxDOT and its project partners to advancing construction safely, efficiently, and with minimal disruption to motorists, cyclists, pedestrians, and nearby residents. As work progresses into the next phase, the project team remains focused on maintaining momentum and delivering long-term mobility and resilience benefits for the region.

Project Overview

This $400 million project will elevate the existing I-10 mainlanes between Heights Boulevard and I-45, reducing flood risk associated with White Oak Bayou. Improvements also include replacing the existing Houston Avenue bridge. The new bridge will be reconstructed beneath the elevated I-10 mainlanes, helping eliminate future bridge strikes and improving roadway safety.

Current Construction Activities (Phase 1 – Step 4B)

Current work includes:

Construction of the westbound I-10 frontage road pavement and bridges, including foundations, drilled shafts, columns, bents, bridge beams, bridge decks, and concrete paving.

Construction of the southbound I-45 to westbound I-10 direct connector and High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) direct connector bridges.

Construction of the westbound I-10 exit ramp to Heights Boulevard and entrance ramp from Studemont Street.

Construction of the new Shared-Use Path (SUP) along the north side of the project corridor.

Please note that newly constructed SUP segments are not yet open to the public due to ongoing construction and equipment traffic.

Current Traffic Impacts

Long-Term Closures

Westbound I-10 mainlanes between I-45 and Taylor Street reduced to two through lanes.

Northbound I-45 connector ramp to westbound I-10 reduced to one lane.

Intermittent Closures

Nightly closures of alternating I-10 entrance and exit ramps for bridge and concrete paving work.

Nightly closures of Studemont Street, Taylor Street, Houston Avenue, and the westbound I-10 frontage road between Studemont Street and Heights Boulevard for bridge construction and paving.

Major Closures Through Summer 2026*

Dates are subject to change.

Westbound I-10 mainlanes between I-45 and Houston Avenue reduced to two lanes through Summer 2026.

Total closure of the southbound I-45 direct connector to westbound I-10, including the HOV connector, through Summer 2026.

Detour Information

I-45 Southbound Traffic North of Loop 610

Motorists should use the I-45 southbound direct connector to I-610 East. Continue east on I-610 and use the direct connector to US 59 South. Continue south on US 59 and use the direct connector to westbound I-10.

I-45 Southbound Traffic Within Loop 610

Motorists should use the I-45 southbound connector ramp to eastbound I-10. Exit at McKee Street/Hardy Street, continue to Hardy Street, and turn left. Proceed north on Hardy Street to Providence Street, turn left, and use the entrance ramp to westbound I-10.

I-45 Southbound HOV Traffic

Motorists should exit Milam Street, continue to Franklin Street and turn right. Proceed to Louisiana Street, turn right, and continue to westbound I-10.

Looking Ahead

TxDOT continues to make outstanding progress on the I-10 White Oak Bayou Elevation Project. TxDOT remains focused on delivering improvements efficiently and safely, while actively identifying opportunities to accelerate construction where feasible. Throughout the process, TxDOT is committed to maintaining the highest safety standards, minimizing impacts to the traveling public, and keeping traffic moving as smoothly as possible. This continued progress reflects the strong collaboration and dedication of everyone involved in advancing this project.

We encourage all motorists to keep updates on active and upcoming closures by visiting the Houston TranStar's Road Construction page and follow TxDOT Houston on X, Facebook, Instagram, and Threads.

*All closures are subject to change due to weather and other unforeseen conditions.