If you’ve noticed more traffic than usual traveling north on I-45, it’s likely due to the permanent closure of the Gulf Freeway ramp to southbound I-69/288. According to TxDOT officials, the left-exit interchange created slow traffic and serious accidents.
Construction of a new ramp—slated to open in July—will help drivers headed north to Downtown exit safely to the right and improve congestion near The University of Houston campus.Note that this six-month closure is unrelated to the larger North Houston Highway Improvement Project that will change the EaDo landscape by expanding U.S. 59 and rerouting I-45, with construction preparations expected to begin as soon as 2020.