Press Release
March 18, 2025
HUNTSVILLE – Beginning at 10 p.m. on Friday, March 21, 2025, there will be a full closure of both north and south bound main lanes on IH 45 to demolish the existing Smither Drive bridge. The closure is anticipated to last through the weekend and will be re-opened by 7 a.m. on Monday, March 24, 2025.
-The northbound closure will begin at Exit 114 (FM 1374/Montgomery Road). Traffic will be detoured to the IH 45 frontage road using Exit 114 and travel through the FM 1374/Montgomery Road and Avenue S intersection. Traffic will be able to re-enter IH 45 using the existing northbound entrance ramp south of US190/SH30/11th Street.
-The southbound closure will begin at Exit 115 (FM 1374/Montgomery Road). Traffic will be detoured to the IH 45 frontage road using Exit 115 and will be able to re-enter IH 45 using the existing southbound entrance ramp south of Smither Drive.
Message boards, signs, and law enforcement will be stationed along the detour route to assist motorists and help with traffic flow throughout the closure period. Upon completion, traffic will return to the existing main lanes as scheduled.
The closure 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 fall 2027.
TxDOT urges drivers to plan accordingly, allow for additional travel time, and follow all posted signs and directions.