HOUSTON – Drivers traveling along I-10 near the Heights should prepare for major closures this weekend as crews begin the next phase of a long-term construction project.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, work on the White Oak Bayou Elevation Project will bring a series of lane and ramp closures starting at 10 p.m. Friday, March 27.
What’s closing this weekend
TxDOT says there will be a total closure of the I-10 westbound frontage road from Studemont Street to Heights Boulevard from 10 p.m. Friday until 5 a.m. Monday.
The westbound exit ramp to Heights Boulevard will also close starting Friday night and remain closed until further notice, with reopening expected sometime in mid-2026.
What’s reopening
There is some relief for drivers.
The westbound Taylor Street exit ramp is scheduled to reopen on Monday, March 30, but it will operate as a single lane on a newly constructed bridge.
Detours drivers need to know
Drivers will need to follow detours depending on direction:
- Northbound drivers on Studemont Street: Continue north → left on White Oak Drive → left on Heights Boulevard → right onto the westbound frontage road to re-enter I-10
- Southbound drivers on Studemont Street: Continue south → right on Washington Avenue → right on Heights Boulevard → left onto the westbound frontage road to re-enter I-10
For those trying to access Heights Boulevard from I-10 westbound, drivers must exit at Patterson Street, make a U-turn, and travel along the eastbound frontage road.
This is part of a $400 million project to raise the elevation of I-10 above the White Oak Bayou floodplain.
The project stretches from Heights Boulevard to I-45 and includes:
- Reconstruction of I-10 mainlanes
- HOV lane improvements
- Rebuilding the Houston Avenue bridge
Construction crews will also begin demolishing the temporary Heights Boulevard exit ramp and rebuilding sections of the westbound mainlanes.
TxDOT is urging drivers to:
- Follow posted detour signs
- Stay alert for changing traffic patterns
- Expect delays throughout the area
Officials also note closures could change depending on weather conditions.