The new IH-45 Northbound Exit 112 to SH 75 at the Sam Houston Statue will be opened August 7. SH 75 traffic must yield to the ramp traffic. Portable message boards have been placed on SH 75 advising the public of the opening. SH 75 traffic should reduce speed through this area and be alert to traffic exiting on the ramp. Ramp traffic should also use caution accessing SH 75.

Police Chief Kevin Lunsford reminded drivers traveling north on Highway 75 South by the Visitors Center that officers will be in the area to make sure everyone is safe. Drivers are asked to slow down in an area, as many have become accustomed to driving through during recent construction.

The construction of the 6 miles widening project, Segment 1B of IH-45 from 0.5 miles north of Vick Springs Road to 0.3 miles north of SH 19 is underway.  This project will widen IH-45 to six lanes and will replace the State Park Road 40 bridges and southbound SH 19 Flyover. During the 3-year project, multiple lane shifts and relocation of traffic will take place at various times to accommodate construction activity. IH-45, SB SH 19, the SH 19 Turnaround, Southwood Drive, PR 40 and the West Frontage Road will also be closed at various times for the safety of the traveling public and construction workers.

The reconstruction of IH-45 will take place in two major phases. Phase 1 is underway and will include the addition of Veteran’s Memorial Bridge, northbound SH 19 Bridge and a new southbound SH 19 flyover.  Phase 2, will include replacement of the Park Road 40 bridges. Johnson Bros. Corporation, a Southland Company was awarded the construction contract for the amount of $116,878,722.89.

For more information, contact Bobby.Colwell@txdot.gov or (979) 778-9764.