Weather permitting, beginning at 8:00 AM Monday, February 17, 2025, the existing Smither Drive bridge over IH 45 will be closed to traffic for several months while the old bridge is demolished, and the new bridges and intersections are constructed. The new bridges will consist of a main bridge with multiple lanes and two separate u-turn bridges on the north and south sides of the main bridge. During this closure, traffic desiring to cross IH 45 will need to do so by utilizing the u-turn bridge at FM 1374 and SH 30. A signed detour will be in place to help guide motorists.
Additionally, throughout the day, Monday, February 17, 2025, the IH 45 Southbound Frontage Road under the Smither Drive bridge (between SH 30 and FM 1374) will be closed intermittently in spans of no more than 15-minutes at a time as a safety precaution to all traffic to allow demolition of the western most span of the Smither Drive bridge. Traffic will be restored on the IH 45 Southbound Frontage Road the same day once the demolition work is complete.
To alert drivers to the change, changeable message signs will be placed in advance of the area where this condition will occur. The speed limit is reduced to 60 MPH on IH 45 main lanes throughout the limits of the project and 40 MPH and 45 MPH on the frontage roads in the work area.
This temporary traffic pattern is part of the $200 Million reconstruction of IH 45 that involves replacing the four-lane freeway with a six-lane freeway with concrete median in Walker County. The project is scheduled to be completed in the Fall of 2027.
Drivers should plan for alternate routes or utilize the detour routes provided during the closures.
For more information, contact Bobby.Colwell@txdot.gov or (979) 778-9764.
