Crews with the Texas Department of Transportation reopened a key ramp at the Loop 610 and I-69 interchange Oct. 29 as they work toward full completion of the project in mid-2024.

The main takeaway

The connector ramp from southbound I-69 to southbound Loop 610 reopened in late October after being closed since 2022, TxDOT officials said. That portion of the project required total freeway closures during various weekends over the summer and fall.

Crews also reopened all southbound I-69 lanes at the interchange as well as the southbound exit ramp from I-69 to Chimney Rock Road.

Good news! All mainlanes of I-69 Southwest southbound at I-610 West Loop are open. Also open is the 69 southbound exit to Chimney Rock and the 69 southbound connector 610 southbound - which has been closed since last year. pic.twitter.com/NLsILtEbsi

— TxDOT- HOU District (@TxDOTHouston) October 29, 2023

The big picture

The $259 million project has been under construction and causing lane closures since 2017. It entails the demolition of all one-lane connector ramps between I-69 and Loop 610 in southwest Houston and rebuilding two-lane connector ramps in their place. The goal, officials said, is to improve safety and mobility by increasing sight distances and mitigating weaving, or when drivers quickly move back and forth between lanes.

A look back

TxDOT made progress in 2023 on a new Loop 610 southbound bridge over I-69, which reopened in July. After closing a key entrance ramp from Westheimer Road in January, crews also reopened that ramp in July.

A look ahead

Moving forward, work on the project will include demolishing and rebuilding the connector ramp from northbound Loop 610 to northbound I-69. Find more information on the project here.