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Houston Avenue bridge repairs this weekend to cause eastbound closure of I-10 near downtown | Houston Public Media

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, September 11th 2025 at 14:41 GMT by Houston Public Media
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Houston Avenue Bridge Repairs Force I‑10 Eastbound Closure, TxDOT Deploys Detour Plan

Houston, TX – September 11, 2025 – Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has announced a temporary closure of the eastbound lanes of Interstate 10 (I‑10) across the Houston Avenue Bridge as part of a major repair and replacement project. The bridge, which carries I‑10 over the Houston Ship Channel, is slated for a comprehensive deck and structural overhaul to address long‑term deterioration and safety concerns.

Why the Closure Matters

The Houston Avenue Bridge, originally constructed in 1970, has been a critical artery for both freight and commuter traffic, facilitating the flow of goods to and from the Port of Houston – the nation’s largest container port. Over the decades, the bridge’s concrete deck has shown signs of spalling and the underlying steel structure has begun to corrode, jeopardizing the bridge’s long‑term integrity.

“Given the bridge’s pivotal role in the region’s transportation network, it is essential that we address these deficiencies now rather than wait for a catastrophic failure,” said Tom Reynolds, senior engineer for the I‑10 Corridor Program at TxDOT. “The repair work will extend the bridge’s service life by at least 25 years while keeping traffic flowing as safely and efficiently as possible.”

Closure Schedule and Detour Strategy

The eastbound lane(s) on I‑10 will be closed for the repair work on September 12, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The closure will be announced through TxDOT’s real‑time traffic platform, the Texas High‑Speed Rail (THSR) live‑traffic feed, and in advance via local news outlets and social media.

To mitigate the impact on motorists, TxDOT has instituted a detour that redirects eastbound traffic onto the adjacent westbound lane(s) for the duration of the repair window, supplemented by a temporary traffic signal that manages the flow on the westbound side. Once the work is complete, traffic will be gradually phased back to its normal configuration.

The detour route will be heavily sign‑posted at all major interchanges, including the I‑10/US 59 interchange and the I‑45 interchange on the west side. Traffic management personnel will be stationed at key points to direct vehicles, and additional electronic signage will update drivers on lane status in real time.

“While the detour adds a few minutes to the commute, it’s a small price to pay for the safety and reliability we will bring to the Houston Avenue Bridge,” said Maria Gonzales, director of the Houston Department of Transportation. “We’ll be monitoring traffic flow closely and making adjustments as needed.”

Impact on Local Businesses and Emergency Services

The bridge’s proximity to the Houston Ship Channel means that maritime freight traffic is tightly integrated with highway traffic. While the closure will not disrupt shipping operations, local businesses that rely on just‑in‑time delivery could experience short‑term delays.

“We’re working with the Houston Chamber of Commerce and the Port of Houston Authority to coordinate any necessary adjustments for freight shipments,” Reynolds explained. “Our goal is to keep the supply chain moving smoothly while we perform critical maintenance.”

Emergency services will have alternative access routes available, as TxDOT has coordinated with the Houston Fire Department and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office to ensure that ambulance, police, and fire response times remain unaffected. Dispatchers have been briefed on the detour route and will adjust their call‑routing protocols accordingly.

Project Cost and Funding

The entire repair project is estimated to cost $18.5 million, funded through a mix of federal infrastructure grants and state transportation funds. According to the TxDOT fiscal report, the bridge’s repairs are part of a broader $2.3 billion investment aimed at modernizing the I‑10 corridor over the next decade.

“We’ve secured the necessary funding and are on schedule to begin the physical work on the bridge tomorrow,” said Reynolds. “This investment reflects our commitment to safeguarding the infrastructure that underpins Houston’s economy.”

Looking Ahead

After the temporary closure on September 12, the bridge’s maintenance work will continue over the next several days, with the final deck replacement and re‑painting scheduled for late September. TxDOT anticipates that the bridge will reopen to full eastbound traffic by September 18, 2025.

“We’re monitoring the structure closely during and after the repair process,” said Reynolds. “The goal is to provide a safer, more reliable crossing for all users for many years to come.”

Motorists are advised to keep an eye on TxDOT’s official website, the Texas Department of Transportation’s “Traffic and Construction” portal, and the local Houston Public Media station for updates on the closure, detour, and projected timelines. The city also encourages drivers to plan for potential delays by checking real‑time traffic updates and adjusting their routes accordingly.

Key Takeaways

For more information, visit the TxDOT website’s “I‑10 Corridor Program” page or the Houston Department of Transportation’s “Bridge Maintenance” portal. The city will continue to provide updates on the project’s progress and any changes to the detour plan.