TRAFFIC ALERT: Portions of I-45 Gulf Freeway north and southbound closed for emergency repairs, TxDOT Houston reports

HOUSTON – Two main lanes headed both southbound and northbound on I-45 Gulf Freeway will be closed from Friday night and Monday morning, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.

TxDOT Houston says crews are working on an emergency repair on that portion of the highway due to several damaged beams on the bridge.

“Currently, vehicles over the maximum legal weight of 80,000 pounds are not permitted to pass over the I-45 northbound bridge at the BNSF rail line just north of Tiki Island and Galveston Island in Galveston County,” TxDOT says. ”This specific bridge was scheduled for demolition and reconstruction as part of a complete reconstruction of I-45 in this area. However, during a recent bridge inspection, it was learned that the bridge had several damaged beams. It was decided to accelerate the reconstruction of the bridge.”