be prepared to stop
Prepare for more Houston traffic with new lane closure announced for Southwest Freeway
Conventional wisdom dictates that summer means generally lighter traffic on freeways. But, this is Houston.
In news that’s sure to draw the ire of commuters, the Texas Department of Transportation has announced that it will reduce the main lanes of I-69 Southwest northbound between Chimney Rock and Weslayan from four lanes to three lanes. The lane closure and adjust begins at 5 am on Monday, June 10, and will last until early 2020.
The move is part of the I-610 West Loop/ I-69 Southwest Freeway interchange project, according to a statement.
To facilitate this closure, crews will re-stripe the northbound main lanes of I-69 Southwest and temporarily close two alternate main lanes of I-69 Southwest northbound between Chimney Rock and Weslayan starting at 9 pm on Friday, June 7, until 5 am Monday, June 10.
That means motorists should expect delays and may want to consider an alternate route. Police officers will be onsite to assist with traffic control.
According to TxDOT, the I-69/I-610 interchange, a $259 million project, will significantly enhance safety and improve mobility by widening the connector ramps to two lanes, increasing sight distances, and providing remedies to eliminate weaving.
How can motorists be sure the work will be completed on schedule? The project has incentives and disincentives to encourage the contractor to complete various phases sooner than anticipated, according to TxDOT.
(Frustrated) drivers can find more information online here and here.
