Westbound I-10 through Houston is about to get a lot tighter starting Friday, October 24. TxDOT is cutting the number of open lanes to two from I-45 to Houston Avenue as part of their big White Oak Bayou Elevation Project.
The main idea: This roadwork phase will run through at least mid-2026. It's all tied to a $407 million project aiming to reduce flooding and make the Houston Avenue Bridge taller to fit current height rules.
- The Houston Avenue Bridge is a known problem spot for tall trucks, with more than 70 bridge hits by trucks just this year.
- Some trucks try to pass under without the right clearance. When an oversized load is detected, flashers warn drivers to get off the freeway.
- The bridge currently only has 14 feet, 3 inches of clearance — not enough for many big rigs.
More closures: The direct connector from I-45 southbound to I-10 westbound will also shut down until mid-2026, and the I-10 connector to I-45 northbound will be closed through mid-2028, according to Houston Public Media.
Demolition and replacement of the Houston Avenue Bridge itself isn’t set until early 2027.