HOUSTON – Exactly 24 hours later, traffic is back flowing Thursday afternoon on the East Freeway (I-10) after a water main break caused the roadway to crumble.
The break created a large sinkhole near Federal Road, forcing a major shutdown of the East Freeway on Wednesday and triggering heavy traffic delays for morning commuters.
OUR FIRST REPORT: Sinkhole shuts down all eastbound lanes on East Freeway at John Ralston
Reopening timeline
TxDOT officials told KPRC 2 Thursday afternoon that some eastbound lanes could potentially reopen later if all goes well.
Just before 3 p.m., TxDOT reported that crews were “getting much closer to the final stages of wrapping up work” on the east side of I-10.
At 4 p.m., TranStar showed the lanes reopening and traffic back flowing.
Crews getting much closer to the final stages of wrapping up work on I-10 East Freeway eastbound at Normandy. They are placing asphalt and smoothing it out for safe driving. Plan is to get some lanes opened this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/pDDrx64hip
— TxDOT- HOU District (@TxDOTHouston) February 5, 2026
Officials say the issue began when a City of Houston water line ruptured, washing out the freeway shoulder and creating a large underground void.
Hole measurements and repair work
TxDOT told KPRC 2’s Bryce Newberry that crews found the 12-foot by 15-foot opening in the shoulder, but after excavation, the total void underneath the lanes measured roughly 24 feet by 30 feet, with the deepest point reaching about 14 feet.
TxDOT said crews have been rebuilding the roadway in layers, including:
- Three dump trucks of rock (about 30 cubic yards)
- 45 cubic yards of flowable fill (a concrete-like material)
- Asphalt (about 7 cubic yards, or 16 tons), which was still being placed Thursday afternoon
City says water leak repaired overnight
The City of Houston confirmed to KPRC 2’s Bryce Newberry that the water leak was repaired at approximately 2 a.m. Thursday morning, allowing TxDOT to begin the road restoration process.
The water line involved is believed to be pre-1962, the city added, and the rupture was likely due to the pipeline’s age.
City officials estimate repairs to the water line will cost around $20,000, funded through Houston’s combined utility fund, specifically, drinking water operations.
Alternate routes recommended
TxDOT urged drivers to avoid the area and use alternate routes, including:
- US 90
- US 90A / Business 90 (McCarty Road)
- SH 225
All routes can reconnect drivers to I-10 further east beyond the closure.