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Houston drivers, brace for a major weekend disruption. CenterPoint Energy is set to close all main lanes of Interstate 10 (Katy Freeway) in both directions near W. Sam Houston Tollway (westbound exit 755) and Dairy Ashford (eastbound exit 755) from 5 a.m. Saturday, April 26, to 5 a.m. Monday, April 28, 2025, to bolster the city’s electric grid. This closure, coordinated with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and local law enforcement, aims to strengthen the resiliency of electric transmission lines, ensuring a more reliable power supply for our growing region.
Why the Closure?
CenterPoint Energy’s project is part of a $5.75 billion Systemwide Resiliency Plan to fortify Houston’s power grid against extreme weather like hurricanes and floods, which have challenged the region in recent years, including Hurricane Beryl in 2024. The work along I-10 focuses on upgrading transmission lines to prevent outages, a critical step in not repeating what happened across the Houston area in the summer of 2024. “The safety of our customers, workers, and communities is CenterPoint’s top priority,” the company stated, emphasizing the need for these enhancements.
Closure Details and Traffic Impacts
The closure spans all main lanes of I-10 between W. Sam Houston Tollway and Dairy Ashford, including westbound exit ramps from the tollway. Expect heavy delays, especially for Katy commuters heading to downtown Houston or Energy Corridor events. The closure runs from 5 a.m. Saturday to 5 a.m. Monday, with frontage roads in both directions remaining open to divert traffic around the work zone. TxDOT and CenterPoint urge drivers to follow posted detour signs and allow extra travel time.
Eastbound Detour: Exit at W. Sam Houston Tollway, use the eastbound frontage road, and re-enter I-10 past the closure.
Westbound Detour: Exit at Dairy Ashford, follow the westbound frontage road, and re-enter I-10.
Alternate Routes: Consider Westheimer Road, Memorial Drive, Highway 290, or Highway 59 to bypass the area.
This closure follows a delayed attempt earlier in April, rescheduled to ensure safety and coordination, highlighting CenterPoint’s commitment to minimizing disruptions while prioritizing grid reliability.
How to Plan Your Weekend
With events like the Texas Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday (April 26-28) and Houston’s bustling spring calendar, plan ahead to avoid delays:
Check Updates: Visit Houston TranStar or follow @CenterPoint_TX and @TxDOTHouston for real-time traffic alerts.
Leave Early: Add 30-60 minutes to your commute, especially if you are needing to go downtown.
Stay Local: Explore Katy’s local gems like Mary Jo Peckham Park or LaCenterra for a low-traffic weekend.
CenterPoint will provide updates on construction progress, so stay tuned to Houston City Beat for the latest.
