TXDOT

Headed to downtown Houston this weekend, or passing by on I-45? There’s a huge closure happening this weekend.

Multiple lanes at I-45 North Freeway outbound after Memorial Drive are shut down due to a heavy truck crash, TxDOT says.

Montgomery County residents and business owners are calling it a highway headache.

Question: 25 minutes to get through FM 1960 & Eldridge? Why?

It’s National Pedestrian Safety Month, and the Texas Department of Transportation is warning drivers about the dangers of driving during the fall and winter months.

A heavy truck crash on I-69 at FM 529 has all mainlanes in both directions blocked Tuesday, TxDOT said.

HARLINGEN —A 15-percent rise in pedestrian traffic fatalities in 2021 has led TxDOT to initiate a “Be Safe. The campaign is part of National Pedestrian Safety Month, seeking to remind drivers and pedestrians to stay alert and watch out for each other. Texas experienced 5,366 traffic crashes involving pedestrians last year, resulting in 841 fatalities and 1,470 serious injuries. “It’s important for motorists to pay attention and look out for people walking and for pedestrians to make sure they take steps to be seen.”TxDOT’s pedestrian safety campaign includes TV and radio spots, billboards and digital advertising. To address the high number of pedestrian-related crashes and fatalities in these areas, TxDOT is deploying more than 30 street teams to display pedestrian safety messages in places where vehicles and pedestrians share the road.

Hey, hey Houston! Welcome back to another week of checking in on What’s Driving Houston!

BROWNSVILLE – Drivers traveling on FM 802 (Ruben Torres Boulevard), between the US 83 frontage road and FM 1847, may experience delays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. starting Sept. 22 through Sept. 30, according to TxDOT officials. TxDOT contractor Foremost Paving, Inc. is working on repairs at bridge approaches and departures. The work will require various lane closures, necessary to smooth pavement and enhance safety. Drivers are asked to slow down and stay alert in this work zone.

TxDOT and other transportation officials across Houston are hosting a news conference Friday to discuss a partnership to launch a mobility app for area commuters.

Bumpy, old and congested roadways across South Texas will see much-needed improvements as more money than ever before will be flowing to the Rio Grande Valley over the next 10 years as a result of state and federal funding announced this week.

Texas police agencies are stepping up enforcement efforts for the upcoming Labor Day holiday with a new initiative called “Drive Sober. No Regrets.”

Critics argue the expansion of I-45 would worsen air quality, noise pollution, and traffic congestion while needlessly displacing communities of color.

The joint news conference comes a day after TxDOT gave the developer of the new Harbor Bridge a 15-day ultimatum to address concerns over the design.

On Friday's show: We learn why some residents are concerned about plans to raise a portion of I-10. Then, we discuss why Houston might be more stressed than other cities, according to a new survey. And we reflect on the film A League of Their Own on its 30th anniversary with the actress who played Marla Hooch.

TxDOT launched a statewide “Be Safe. Drive Smart” outreach campaign that will offer tips to keep everyone safe on Texas roadways.

Great news drivers! All northbound mainlanes at the West Loop at Southwest Freeway are now open!

TxDOT announced Friday that it’s investing $150 million to bring critically needed upgrades to improve transportation access to Texans in rural areas and smaller cities.

TxDOT Houston officials will close the northbound main lanes of West Loop at Southwest Freeway this weekend.

Due to the upcoming Fourth of July holiday weekend, TXDOT says it expects to see a rise in drunk driving-related fatalities and serious injuries.

TxDOT announced on Thursday that all northbound and southbound lanes of the Southwest Freeway at 610 West Loop will be closed due to ongoing construction.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee visited the location at Graffiti Wall Tuesday to discuss TxDOT’s plan to move forward with the demolition of 375 housing units, disregarding the federally mandated pause on the expansion of I-45.

Hello my friends! A lot is happening in the traffic world, here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:

The Texas Department of Transportation created a temporary IH-45 North Freeway southbound frontage road bypass between Cypresswood and FM 1960 is now open to drivers. It will provide continuous passage for those on the North Freeway southbound feeder road trying to access FM 1960.

Repairs are underway after a tractor-trailer truck struck a bridge while losing its load on I-10 Katy Freeway Monday morning.

All mainlanes at 610 South Loop are shut down near Highway 288 due to downed power lines, according to TxDOT.

The southbound connector ramp at the I-69 Eastex Freeway headed toward 610 North Loop is closed due to emergency repairs that stemmed from a major crash involving a heavy truck.

There was a giant inflatable motorcycle, a hot wing eating contest and — naturally — a procession of motorcycles. The bikes started at 3000 Cage Blvd. and zipped down the road in double column to the blare of Pharr police sirens.

A Texas teen who went viral for driving through an active tornado during March’s severe weather outbreak helped launch Texas Department of Transportation’s “Click it or Ticket” campaign event this week.

The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office received a grant from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to help crack down on unbuckled drivers and passengers during the busy Memorial Day holiday as part of a statewide seat belt enforcement campaign.

Here is great news for drivers!

Houston drivers are asked to stay away as crews demolish part of the busy interchange.

Along with an increased number of fatalities, a total of 2,394 people were seriously...

In the new day and age of social media and other distractions, a lot of drivers are being distracted with their mobile devices instead of focusing on the road. With the new distractions, TxDOT reports that distracted driving deaths have increased 17% in 2021 compared to 2020.

As road construction season begins, TxDOT officials are asking drivers to slow down and pay attention in work zones following an alarming increase in fatalities last year.

The Texas Department of Transportation has launched its annual campaign to remind Texas drivers to keep their eyes out for work zone crews on the roads after traffic deaths related to construction work have risen.

As TxDOT crews work on replacing a bridge that currently sits over Cypress Creek, residents in the area are dealing with heavy traffic as drivers are forced to reroute, according to Precinct 4 Constable Mark Herman.

By RICK KELLEYStaff WriterTxDOT has launched a new anti-drunk driving campaign in hopes of reducing the number of alcohol-related fatalities during Spring Break. In Texas last year over Spring Break, there were 872 DUI-alcohol related traffic accidents, resulting in 30 fatalities and 107 serious injuries, TxDOT officials say. The new anti-drunk driving campaign will conduct outreach events on college campuses and at key spring break designations using public service announcements, outdoor billboards and more. One person in Texas dies every eight hours and 31 minutes in a DUI-alcohol related traffic crash, TxDOT data shows. “These are disturbing numbers, especially as all of these crashes are preventable,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams.

Montgomery County, Texas – Major traffic delays are expected along Interstate 45 north of The Woodlands as crews make emergency repairs to the road surface over the weekend. County officials announced that TxDOT will be making emergency repairs to the southbound mainlanes of Interstate 45 over the San Jacinto River bridge. Repairs are anticipated to begin starting at 7:00 PM Friday. The repairs could take nearly 30 hours to complete according to TxDOT. Officials say that extremely heavy traffic is expected and urge drivers to allow for extra time during their commute.

The two will face off in a primary to represent Senate District 15, which includes Bellaire, The Heights and Humble.

The greater Houston area is waking up to temperatures in the 30s.

Harris County Toll Road Authority and TxDOT crews were sent out Thursday to prep Houston-area roads due to potential ice and winter storm warning.

There is a major traffic alert in Houston.

Deputies with Harris County Precinct 4 Constable partnered with TxDOT to enforce a new state law that prohibits camping in public places.

City Council voted unanimously at Monday’s meeting to present the Department of...

City of Laredo hosted a press conference to announce the return of the Paisano Rest Stop...

In the heart of Houston’s Greater 5th Ward is Bruce Elementary. Its future may be in jeopardy, according to critics of the I-45 expansion project, if the plans to redesign and expand the I-45 from downtown Houston to Greenspoint to Beltway 8 don’t get a second look.

The county attorney will propose a 30-day pause on the federal lawsuit as county leaders continue to negotiate with TxDOT.

All southbound lanes on the Southwest Freeway near Highway 288 are open after a rollover big rig crash Wednesday morning, TxDOT said.

Making Highway 35 from the Gulf Freeway to Alvin a major highway has been in TxDOT plans for many years.

HARLINGEN — TxDOT’s aviation division has awarded the Port Isabel-Cameron County Airport $1.3 million in grants for capital improvements.

F1 returned to the Western hemisphere for the first time in two years in grand fashion with a completely sold-out crowd.

There will be overnight closures Monday through Wednesday as part of the Harbor Bridge Project.

Work on the JFK Bridge is expected to be completed by May 2023. Here's what to expect.

This is the busiest interchange in Texas, with more than 250,000 vehicles traveling through 59 and 610 a day! Major work has been underway for quite some time now, and TxDOT’s most recent accomplishment: opening the connector ramps that lead drivers into the Galleria area. These connector ramps were supposed to be shut down for six to eight months, when they first closed during the summer.

Construction along the scenic drive over the Queen Isabella Memorial Causeway is about to give motorists more time to enjoy the view.

Drivers have been asked to avoid the Gulf Freeway northbound near Broadway due to a pothole that police said has been causing damage to tires.

The Queen Isabella Causeway, as it was known then, suffered catastrophic damage when an out-of-control towboat and barge slammed into it 20 years ago on Sept. 15, 2001.

Some residents of the Loma Alta area on SH 359 are mad that a recent median TxDOT project...

The Texas Transportation Commission voted to move forward with the project, but an ongoing federal investigation may force a permanent halt later this year.

Question: “It has been multiple years since the street lights over the Highway 6 reservoir were completed. When will they finally start being used?”

Well, it’s happening again: Another big freeway closure is in the works.

The controversial expansion project, which opponents say would displace hundreds of families and worsen air quality, will make its way to the Texas Transportation Commission for approval.

Crews are working to clear a scene on Interstate 45 after a heavy truck crashed Saturday afternoon, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.

Residents are being urged to give TxDOT their feedback on the I-45 expansion and the Unified Transportation Project, according to Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to get potholes fixed? Our Traffic Expert Anavid Reyes got her hands dirty getting this work done with the Texas Department of Transportation out in Galveston County.

The Laredo Police Department announced Wednesday that a lane of traffic has been closed...

Beginning Wednesday, the Jackson Road exit and entrance ramp on eastbound I-2 will be closed for an estimated six months. TXDoT, however, will open a temporary exit ramp between Jackson Avenue and Jackson Road for motorists needing to access the area. On Thursday, the Sioux Road entrance and exit ramps on southbound I-69C will also be closed for an estimated two months. Motorists needing to exit southbound Sioux Road will need to utilize the Nolana Loop exit ramp, road officials said. TXDOT reminded all drivers to stay alert and slow down in road work zones, be aware of lane closures and alternate routes, and to follow all traffic control updates.

A heavy truck crash involving a HAZMAT cleanup has closed all main lanes of I-69 northbound at Williams Way in Fort Bend County.

The dappled cats which have captured the hearts of so many Texans continue to hold their own, often against the odds, in their South Texas strongholds.

On Friday's show: The latest on TxDOT’s continuation of the I-45 expansion project despite a request to stop from the federal government, we break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week, and conversations with musicians Joshua Ray Walker and Charley Crockett.

TxDOT was told in March to pause its North Houston Highway Improvement Project over civil rights and environmental concerns raised through the public input process.

On Friday's show: Work begins on a major overhaul of the Southwest Freeway at 610, the value of Pride Nights in sports, The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week, and the annual Houston Matters Spelling Bee.

A crash that involved a heavy truck closes the connector ramp on the I-45 Gulf Freeway to I-610 eastbound, according to TxDOT.

A traffic headache for drivers on State Highway 288-- We’re talking about the shutdown that’s been going on for seven weeks now and folks are wondering, “What’s happening with repairs?”

TxDOT crews will begin an emergency repair on Eastex Freeway northbound at Parker Road, the agency announced Friday.

Right now TxDOT has closed the following location due to high water.

Hitting the road this summer? Safety first, y’all.

Travel disruptions caused by COVID-19 and more people working from home translated to a big drop in traffic accidents in Texas in 2020.

On Monday’s show: Why the I-45 widening project is on hold, and a conversation with Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr.On Monday’s Houston Matters: The I-45 widening project is on hold as TxDOT faces a lawsuit from Harris County and an investigation by the Federal Highway Administration. Their full conversation can be seen Tuesday night at 8 on Houston Public Media TV 8. Then, a new startup is helping nonprofits clear a major hurdle in redeveloping abandoned, unutilized properties and compete with commercial developers. And we get an update on sports from Terrance Harris of The Defender Network. Subscribe to Today in Houston Fill out the form below to subscribe our new daily editorial newsletter from the HPM Newsroom.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- TxDOT crews are working to repair a segment of the Southwest Freeway after three lanes were shut down.TxDOT says a damaged piece of metal was found on the southbound lanes of U.S. 59 near Bellaire Boulevard Monday morning.The lanes are scheduled to reopen between 7:30 p.m. - 8 p.m., TxDOT says.Drivers are urged to avoid the area during their evening commute.

When it comes to holiday travel, timing is everything!TxDOT is keeping most roads and highways across Texas open over Christmas. Here are those blackout dates for construction, which will be the best times for your family to drive.If you are traveling to the Dallas, Fort-Worth area, there will be no total freeway closures starting Monday, Dec. 23 at noon through Thursday, Dec. 26 at 10 p.m.If Austin is your destination, highway roadwork will be suspended a full week from Thursday, Dec. 19 at 5 p.m. until Thursday, Dec. 26 at 9 p.m.In San Antonio, the construction blackout period begins Dec. 21 and ends Jan. 15.If you're traveling out east toward Louisiana, construction will be restricted in Chambers, Jefferson, and Orange counties Dec. 23 through 26. But a heads up, outside those dates, expect very heavy travel as there are five active projects, including several along I-10.And right here in Houston, expect lanes to stay open Dec. 20 from 5 p.m. to Dec. 26 at 5 a.m.Keep in mind, even though the open lanes will help traffic flow, you can expect all of that extra holiday traffic to slow things down anyway.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Roadwork at the very busy I-610 West Loop / US-59/I-69 interchange is not taking a break over the holiday shopping and travel season.More lanes on the Southwest Freeway are about to reopen, giving inbound drivers a bit of a break.The Southwest Freeway is set to go from three to four open lanes northbound at I-610 on Monday, Nov. 25.Outbound traffic in the same location will be limited to just three lanes until early next year.Some high-impact closures are also happening next year.TxDOT is preparing to shut down the connector ramps for months at a time starting in 2020.If you are looking for alternate routes, use surface streets like Westheimer, or take the long way around and go through the I-10/610 director.This construction project started in 2017, and TxDOT says it will likely finish in 2024.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Roadwork at the very busy I-610 West Loop / US-59/I-69 interchange is not taking a break over the holiday shopping and travel season.More lanes on the Southwest Freeway are about to reopen, giving inbound drivers a bit of a break.The Southwest Freeway is set to go from three to four open lanes northbound at I-610 on Monday, Nov. 25.Outbound traffic in the same location will be limited to just three lanes until early next year.Some high-impact closures are also happening next year.TxDOT is preparing to shut down the connector ramps for months at a time starting in 2020.If you are looking for alternate routes, use surface streets like Westheimer, or take the long way around and go through the I-10/610 director.This construction project started in 2017, and TxDOT says it will likely finish in 2024.

Stay within your limits in order to help guests stay within theirsAUSTIN, Texas (KTRK) -- While clowns and creatures of the night are scary, nothing is as frightening as what is happening on Houston roadways.TxDOT says 121 people in Harris County alone were killed by drunk drivers in 2018, making it the top county in Texas for DUI deaths. In all, there were 3,186 alcohol-involved crashes in Harris County last year.Houston was the top city for DUI deaths with 72 fatalities in 2017.Meantime, Mothers Against Drunk Driving sayswith an average of 1,438 people killed each year.Sgt. S. Wolverton with the Harris County Sheriff's Office says it doesn't have to happen this way, especially during Halloween.In 2016, Halloween weekend began with a deadly accident on FM 1960. Like many similar crashes, Wolverton said the driver was impaired behind the wheel, but walked away with only minor injuries. "We've been screaming that for years, but apparently it is falling on deaf ears," Wolverton says of drunk driving awareness messages.

In all, there were 3,186 alcohol-involved crashes in Harris County last year.Houston was the top city for DUI deaths with 72 fatalities in 2017.Meantime, Mothers Against Drunk Driving sayswith an average of 1,438 people killed each year.Sgt. S. Wolverton with the Harris County Sheriff's Office says it doesn't have to happen this way, especially during Halloween.In 2016, Halloween weekend began with a deadly accident on FM 1960. Like many similar crashes, Wolverton said the driver was impaired behind the wheel, but walked away with only minor injuries. "While the call goes out each and every holiday to avoid drinking and driving, it keeps happening.It's a disappointment that has meant tragedy after tragedy on Houston-area roadways. "We've been screaming that for years, but apparently it is falling on deaf ears," Wolverton says of drunk driving awareness messages.

I-10 eastbound connector ramp to US-59 southboundTotal closure including entrance ramp from San Jacinto Street to I-10 eastboundDetour: I-45 southbound through downtown to US-59 southbound or US-59 northbound and U-turn at CollingsworthTotal closure including the Chartres entrance rampDetour: I-10 eastbound and U-turn at Waco StreetHOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Drivers heading through downtown Houston will have to reconsider their usual route starting Friday night.TxDOT has announced the closure of two major interstate ramps as part of the Elysian Viaduct reconstruction The ramp closures begin Friday, Nov. 1 at 9 p.m. and are not scheduled to reopen until Sunday, February 23, 2020.TxDOT is planning additional lane closures along I-10 through downtown and on nearby streets and entrance ramps surrounding the Elysian Viaduct.The reconstruction began in 2017. It's a major connector into downtown, and while these interstate ramps should reopen in February, the Elysian Viaduct is not scheduled for completion until Spring 2020.

TxDOT is preparing to tackle traffic issues along I-45 between the Woodlands to Conroe and is looking for your ideas.The study is focused on the I-45 corridor from North Beltway-8 to Loop 336 South affecting communities such as Oak Ridge North, Shenandoah, Conroe, and The Woodlands Township. So far, TxDOT says drivers have asked for improved frontage roads, interchanges, and east-west corridors, along with enhanced public transit.There are two ways to offer your feedback -- online and in-person.There are three meetings happening soon.Harvest Time Church17770 Imperial Valley DriveHouston, TX 7706010 a.m. - noonSpring High School19428 I-45 NorthSpring, TX 773735:30 p.m - 7 p.m.Oak Ridge High School 9th grade27310 Oak Ridge School RoadConroe, TX 773855:30 p.m - 7 p.m.You can also fill out an online survey and provide your feedback to TxDOT here

TxDOT is preparing to tackle traffic issues along I-45 between the Woodlands to Conroe and is looking for your ideas.The study is focused on the I-45 corridor from North Beltway-8 to Loop 336 South affecting communities such as Oak Ridge North, Shenandoah, Conroe, and The Woodlands Township. So far, TxDOT says drivers have asked for improved frontage roads, interchanges, and east-west corridors, along with enhanced public transit.There are two ways to offer your feedback -- online and in-person.There are three meetings happening soon.Harvest Time Church17770 Imperial Valley DriveHouston, TX 7706010 a.m. - noonSpring High School19428 I-45 NorthSpring, TX 773735:30 p.m - 7 p.m.Oak Ridge High School 9th grade27310 Oak Ridge School RoadConroe, TX 773855:30 p.m - 7 p.m.You can also fill out an online survey and provide your feedback to TxDOT here

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- TxDOT announced Friday that permanent repairs on the I-10 bridge at the San Jacinto River could be complete by the first quarter of 2020, which is six months from now.The bridge was damaged when loose barges during Imelda struck several support pillars. A sonar image shows one of the embedded pillars leaning underwater.The reaction from those who live in the area was simply, "that's a long time. "What had been the eastbound bridge now handles two-way traffic. The westbound bridge remains closed, with crews working on repairs. Donald Prejean has been serving up BBQ for a while now, and while this construction may impact his business for months to come, he has a vow.

Just after midnight Sept. 19, two of the barges struck the San Jacinto Bridge and became stuck underneath it, officials said. In a statement, TxDOT said:We have begun preliminary set up for reconfiguring the I-10 eastbound bridge to accommodate both westbound and eastbound traffic. However, despite plans to reconfigure traffic, authorities announced Tuesday night that two eastbound lanes were opened to traffic. Authorities worked around the clock in order to get the westbound lanes reopened by the morning commute. Whats next:TxDOT said it has divers inspecting the damage to the westbound bridge caused by the barges.

TxDOT crews are ready to phase the opening of I-10 at the San Jacinto bridge. Currently, TxDOT is opening two EB lanes on the bridge and work continues to get the two WB lanes open as soon as possible. It is still our goal to have two lanes in each direction open before AM rush. "It follows a similar closure in the past few years, again because of barges that tore loose during floods. "You would think they wouldn't allow barges on the north side of the bridge by now," said Henderson.

TxDOT crews are ready to phase the opening of I-10 at the San Jacinto bridge. Currently, TxDOT is opening two EB lanes on the bridge and work continues to get the two WB lanes open as soon as possible. It is still our goal to have two lanes in each direction open before AM rush. "It follows a similar closure in the past few years, again because of barges that tore loose during floods. "You would think they wouldn't allow barges on the north side of the bridge by now," said Henderson.

EMBED >More News Videos Barge bridge collision causing major traffic jamsHOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A traffic headache could ease up as soon as Wednesday morning for some drivers on the I-10 bridge at the San Jacinto River.TxDOT announced that crews have been working to get traffic running in both directions on the eastbound side of the bridge. "It's usually a 10-minute drive to Channelview," said Butch Henderson from his Crosby home. "It took me an hour and 20 minutes and that was (Sunday) afternoon. "It follows a similar closure in the past few years, again because of barges that tore loose during floods. "You would think they wouldn't allow barges on the north side of the bridge by now," said Henderson.

"It's usually a 10-minute drive to Channelview," said Butch Henderson from his Crosby home. "It took me an hour and 20 minutes and that was (Sunday) afternoon. "RELATED:It follows a similar closure in the past few years, again because of barges that tore loose during floods. "You would think they wouldn't allow barges on the north side of the bridge by now," said Henderson. "I'm not saying anything that other people haven't said before."

A construction crew began demolishing the eclectic pink, wedge-shaped building Thursday night ahead of a TxDOT construction project that will expand a 3-mile stretch of road on Highway 146. A nearly century-old Seabrook landmark, dubbed the Triangle Building by some and an eyesore by others, has reached its end. The Triangle Building is just one of many structures marked for demolition ahead of the roadwork. Several Seabrook businesses closed or relocated in response to the massive construction project. The demolition of the Triangle Building began Thursday night and will resume Monday, Sept. 16.