Major traffic development to cause delays, gridlock in area

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Get ready for traffic gridlock in the Galleria area this weekend. A major traffic development starts Friday night at the US-290 Northwest Freeway and I-610 West Loop Interchange. The 290 exit off the northbound 610 West Loop will be relocated from the left side of the freeway to the right side.

To make this traffic switch happen, three northbound lanes of the West Loop will be closed between I-10 and West 18th Street from Friday at 9pm to 12pm on Sunday.

The traffic project will happen in two phases. The first phase will keep the 290 exit on the left open, along with one lane, that will continue on to the 610 North Loop.

Major traffic developments along 610 this weekend.

The second phase for the traffic switch will open the 290 exit ramp on the right side and close three inside lanes of the 610 West Loop northbound. With this part of the road work, the 610 West Loop northbound connector to the 610 North Loop eastbound will also be closed. That detour will be the West 18th exit.

There will also be some closures of the 610 North Loop westbound connector ramp to 290. Your detour will be the 290 frontage and Dacoma exit. With this exit, you can get back on 290 past 34th street.

Also, expect the I-10 Katy Freeway westbound connector to the 610 West Loop northbound to be closed. Motorists will have to take 610 southbound and u-turn at Woodway and Memorial.

After the completion of the traffic project, there will be six lanes from I-10 to 290.

As you head out this weekend, expect a traffic nightmare to get to that point.