HOUSTON – The first phase of demolition for the Alabama Street bridge over Interstate 69 has been completed, with northbound lanes now back open to traffic, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.
Crews finished tearing down the portion of the bridge over the northbound mainlanes earlier Sunday, marking a key milestone in the ongoing reconstruction project tied to Houston’s larger highway overhaul.
Recommended Videos
PREVIOUS: Alabama Street bridge to close for nearly 10 months as part of I-45 project
That project aims to improve safety, reduce congestion, and modernize one of Houston’s most heavily traveled corridors.
Attention now shifts to the second phase of demolition, which is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. on Friday, May 8, and continue through 5 a.m. Monday, May 11.
During that time, drivers should expect significant closures, including:
- Southbound I-69 mainlanes under Alabama Street
- The connector ramp from southbound SH 288 to southbound I-69
These closures are expected to impact traffic through a busy stretch connecting Midtown and the Third Ward, particularly for weekend travel.
The Alabama Street bridge has already been shut down long-term since April 30 and is not expected to reopen until February 2027.
Officials say the extended closure is necessary to fully demolish and rebuild the structure as part of the broader I-45 North Houston Highway Improvement Project.
TxDOT is urging drivers to plan ahead, review detour routes, and expect delays throughout the weekend closure. Updated maps and traffic guidance are available on the agency’s construction updates page.