HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Thousands of drivers will be seeking detours, as downtown residents and commuters brace for more road closures on I-45 this weekend.
There is currently construction along Allen Parkway to add traffic signals and additional parking, and last week, Houston Avenue closed between Lubbock and Rusk for reconstruction.
Starting Friday night, TXDOT has announced two additional closures for those of you who spend time in Downtown:
IH-45 NORTH
Southbound Entrance Ramp from ALLEN PARKWAY. Total Closure. Closed permanently beginning Friday, July 8 at 9pm. A new ramp will be constructed and will be open to traffic in late 2016. Detour: continue eastbound on Allen Parkway/ Dallas, right on Smith St., left on Jefferson St., and follow Jefferson to the I-45 southbound entrance ramp.
Southbound Entrance Ramp from HOUSTON AVE. Total Closure. Closed permanently beginning Friday, July 8 at 9pm. A new ramp will be constructed and will be open to traffic in late 2016. Detour: from Houston Avenue take a left onto Rusk St., right on Smith St., left on Jefferson, and follow Jefferson to the I-45 southbound entrance ramp.
Metro is also offering a warning to bus riders, that commute times will increase across the Houston area because of the ramp closures. Bus stops will remain the same, but Metro released this list of routes which will likely experience delays:
Impacted Routes:
202 Kuykendahl
204 Spring
209 Kuykendal/Spring
212 Seton Lake
214 Northwest Station
216 West Little York
217 Cypres
219 Northwest Station/West Little York
221 Kingsland
222 Grand Parkway
228 Addicks
229 Kingsland Addicks
236 Maxey
255 Kingwood
256 Eastex
257 Townsen
137 Northshore Express
102 Bush IAH
108 Veterans Memorial
85 Antoine/Washington
The I-45 ramp closures are expected to affect traffic routes until late this year.