As work continues on a project to build new connector ramps at Loop 610 and Hwy. 59 in southwest Houston, a closure is set to begin Jan. 7 that will shut down Loop 610's northbound exit ramp to Westheimer Road, according to a Jan. 5 announcement from the Texas Department of Transportation.

The closure will begin at 9 p.m. Jan. 7 and will be in effect for six to seven months, according to TxDOT.

Drivers looking to access Westheimer will be detoured to the Loop 610 northbound exit ramp to Westpark Drive. From there, they can continue on the Loop 610 frontage road to Westheimer.

Work on the interchange will also necessitate a shorter closure of Loop 610 main lanes, TxDOT officials said. Main lanes from Westpark Drive to Richmond Avenue will be closed from 9 p.m. Jan. 7 through 5 a.m. Jan. 10. Traffic will be detoured to the frontage road.

"Motorists should expect delays this weekend and may want to consider an alternate route," according to a TxDOT news release. "Police officers will be on-site to assist with traffic control."

The $259 million interchange project is intended to improve safety and improve mobility by widening the connector ramps to two lanes, increasing sight distances and providing remedies to eliminate weaving, according to TxDOT. The project is slated to wrap up in 2024, Community Impact Newspaper previously reported.

More information on road closures can be found on Houston TranStar.