News

I-45 Construction Projects Affecting Traffic to Galveston

I-45 Traffic to Galveston including closures

Check Live Cameras and Maps

Use the following links to check live traffic maps and cameras affecting traffic flow to and from Galveston Island.

Check Live Cameras and Maps

Use the following links to check live traffic maps and cameras affecting traffic flow to and from Galveston Island.

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is spearheading a transformative project to reconstruct and widen Interstate 45 (I-45) from Farm-to-Market Road (FM) 1764 to the Galveston Causeway in Galveston County, Texas. This initiative is designed to enhance safety, reduce traffic congestion, and improve evacuation routes during severe weather events.

Scope and Timeline of the I-45 Expansion Project

The project includes significant improvements aimed at modernizing one of Texas’s busiest corridors:

  • Widening I-45: Expansion from a six-lane to an eight-lane interstate, providing four lanes in each direction.
  • Frontage Roads Reconstruction: Frontage roads will be upgraded to include four 12-foot lanes (two in each direction) with accommodations for cyclists.
  • Interchange Reconstruction: Overhauling the I-45/State Highway (SH) 146/SH 6 Interchange at the Texas City Wye.
  • Detention Ponds: Construction of six new detention ponds to improve drainage and minimize flooding risks.

Project Segments and Timelines

  • FM 1764 to FM 519: Construction began in Fall 2019, focusing on widening lanes, reconstructing overpasses, and improving drainage systems to reduce flooding.
  • FM 519 to Texas City Wye: Work commenced in Winter 2020, including major upgrades to frontage roads, additional lanes, and enhanced entrance and exit ramps.
  • Texas City Wye to Galveston Causeway: Construction started in Fall 2020, focusing on the SH 6 interchange, expanding main lanes, and adding detention ponds.

The project is expected to be completed by Summer 2028.

Key Benefits of the I-45 Expansion

  • Enhanced Safety: Upgrading to modern engineering standards will significantly reduce accident risks.
  • Improved Traffic Flow: Adding lanes will alleviate congestion, ensuring smoother daily commutes.
  • Better Evacuation Routes: The widened highway will support faster evacuations during hurricanes and other emergencies.

How Will This Impact Drivers?

Galveston Island

Although the project does not extend into Galveston Island, drivers should expect changes in traffic flow near the Galveston Causeway. Periodic congestion may occur, particularly during peak travel times. TxDOT will provide updates on any traffic disruptions impacting access to the island.

Tiki Island

The project includes the demolition of the existing I-45 bridge near Tiki Island and the construction of a new northbound bridge. This upgrade will improve structural integrity and increase traffic capacity. Drivers can expect temporary lane closures and detours during this phase. TxDOT will release detailed schedules and recommended alternative routes to minimize disruptions for Tiki Island residents and frequent travelers.

Lane Closures and Detours

TxDOT will implement temporary lane closures and detours throughout the construction process. Real-time updates will be available via official channels to ensure drivers can plan their routes effectively.

Recommendations for Commuters

  1. Stay Informed: Regularly visit TxDOT’s official website and follow local news outlets for construction updates.
  2. Plan Alternative Routes: Identify detours ahead of time to avoid delays.
  3. Allocate Extra Travel Time: Anticipate construction-related delays and plan accordingly.

Essential Resources for Real-Time Traffic Updates

By staying informed and planning ahead, drivers can navigate construction zones safely and contribute to the success of this critical infrastructure project.

News
Local
Shop Local for King Cake in Galveston Shop Local for King Cake in Galveston
Food / Drink2 days ago

King Cake: Shop Local During Mardi Gras

Where to Find the Best Mardi Gras King Cakes in Galveston – Local Favorites Guide Looking to indulge in a...

Galveston-born Tristin McCollum plays in the Superbowl Galveston-born Tristin McCollum plays in the Superbowl
Local3 days ago

Galveston Graduate Tristin McCollum Making Waves to the Superbowl

Galveston’s Own Tristin McCollum Making Waves in the NFL Galveston is beaming with pride as one of its own, Tristin...

Galveston Mardi Gras Parades Galveston Mardi Gras Parades
Local5 days ago

🎭 Galveston Mardi Gras Parades – Dates, Routes & Must-See Events 🎉

Galveston’s Mardi Gras is a spectacle of color, music, and tradition, bringing the island to life with dazzling parades, lively...

Super Bowl 59 where to watch Galveston Super Bowl 59 where to watch Galveston
Local2 weeks ago

Where to Watch Super Bowl LIX in Galveston

The Teams: Kansas City Chiefs vs. Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl LIX (59) is just around the corner, and excitement is...

Galveston Commodore Hotel remodel Galveston Commodore Hotel remodel
Local3 weeks ago

Galveston Commodore Hotel Remodeling

A New Chapter for Galveston’s Commodore Hotel: Remodeling and Rebranding in Progress Galveston’s iconic Commodore Hotel, located at 3618 Seawall...

Gulf Coast shrimp Gulf Coast shrimp
Local4 weeks ago

Gulf Coast Shrimp Fraud: What Consumers Need to Know

A recent wave of investigations has uncovered an unsettling truth about shrimp advertised as “local” across the Gulf Coast. According...

Cold Stunned Kemps Ridley Sea Turtles Cold Stunned Kemps Ridley Sea Turtles
Local4 weeks ago

Cold-Stunned: Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtles Face Chilling Crisis

As frigid temperatures swept across the Gulf of Mexico last week, one of the world’s most endangered sea turtle species,...

Yaga's Chili Fest Yaga's Chili Fest
Local4 weeks ago

Yaga’s 16th Annual Chili Quest & Beer Fest

Every January, the historic Strand District comes alive with the tantalizing aromas and vibrant festivities of Yaga’s Chili Quest &...