TxDOT updates I-45 North Houston project with rescheduled closures and detours

HOUSTON – TxDOT has released new updates on the progress of the I-45 North Houston Highway Improvement Project and its impact on Houston-area roadways.

Rescheduled closures

The closures related to the demolition of the Alabama St bridge over I-69 have been rescheduled from Jan. 9-12, 2026, to Feb. 6-9, 2026.

• ‘2 lanes, twice the Headache’: Houston drivers brace for I-10 White Oak Bayou Project

Closures this week

To allow contractors to make repairs, the I-69 northbound entrance ramp from McGowen Street will be closed during the following times:

• Thursday, Jan. 8, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Friday, Jan. 9, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Saturday, Jan. 10, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Detours for this week’s closures

Drivers should follow this detour route:

• Right on McGowen
• Left on Emancipation
• Left on Gray
• Right on Chartres
• Left on Commerce
• Right on Chenevert to I-69

Extended closures

The full closure of Chartres Street from Commerce Street to Runnels Street has been extended from Jan. 15 through March 28, 2026, to allow crews to install storm sewer infrastructure.

Reopened streets

St. Emanuel Street from Preston Street to Texas Avenue has reopened. However, St. Emanuel remains closed between Texas Avenue and Rusk Street through Jan. 31, 2026, for sanitary sewer installation.

• Polk Street in downtown Houston closes for GRB expansion project