TxDOT engineers and contractors have developed an innovative plan to repair the connector that has moved slightly out of place to prevent it from becoming a hazard to the traveling public.
To make the repairs, crews will lift a portion of the connector with large cranes and rotate it back into place. Once the span is back in place, additional repairs will be made to strengthen the structure.
"Over the 40 years of the life of this bridge we've experienced numerous contraction and expansion cycles due to the heat of the summer and (the cold) of the winter," said Quincy Allen, TxDOT Houston District Director of Maintenance. "The expansion and contraction have allowed, over time, the span of the bridge to rotate. The rotation wasn't as pronounced at first but now it's getting to the point where we need to make repairs."
To perform the work, crews will need to close the ramp for approximately 10 consecutive days. Crews will close the IH 10 Katy Freeway westbound connector ramp to IH 45 North Freeway in downtown starting Friday, February 10 at 9pm until Monday, February 20 at 5am.
Additionally, the Travis Street connector ramp to IH 45 North Freeway will also be closed beginning Friday, February 10 at 9pm until Monday, February 20 at 5am. This will impact motorists trying to enter IH 45 North Freeway northbound from downtown. Also, one right lane of Travis northbound between Commerce and Girard in downtown will be closed.
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