Planning a weekend getaway in the Lone Star State? You might want to check your route before hitting the road. Several major highways and streets across Texas are currently under construction or closed due to various issues. These closures could add unexpected delays to your travel time or force you to find alternate routes. Here’s what you need to know about five significant road closures that might impact your weekend plans.
1. San Antonio – I-35 Ramp and Lane Closures
Major construction along I-35 through San Antonio has shut down several key entrance and exit ramps this weekend. Crews are working on expanding the highway’s capacity, causing northbound lanes to narrow between Loop 410 and Forum Parkway.
Expect significant delays during peak travel times, especially Friday afternoon and Sunday evening. The Texas Department of Transportation suggests using Loop 1604 or Highway 281 as alternative routes.
Construction is scheduled to continue through Monday morning, so early weekend travelers might want to leave extra early or postpone returns until Monday afternoon when all lanes should reopen.
2. Kyle – Sinkhole Incident
A massive sinkhole has appeared on FM 150 just west of Kyle, forcing authorities to close a half-mile stretch of this busy connector road. The sudden collapse happened after heavy rains last week, creating a 15-foot-wide crater that’s caused significant safety concerns.
Local residents can still access neighborhoods, but through traffic is being diverted to Highway 21 and FM 2770. Emergency repair crews estimate the road will remain closed throughout the weekend while they assess underground damage.
If Kyle is your destination, allow an extra 25 minutes for detours, especially if you’re heading to the popular weekend farmers market or outdoor events in the area.
3. Houston – Telephone Road Redesign
Houston’s historic Telephone Road is getting a much-needed facelift, but the timing might disrupt your weekend plans. The entire stretch between Wayside Drive and Bellfort Avenue is closed to through traffic as crews install new drainage systems and widen sidewalks.
Local businesses remain open despite the construction, with temporary parking lots established on side streets. The closure affects access to popular East End weekend destinations including Harrisburg Plaza and several well-known restaurants.
Residents report GPS navigation apps aren’t accurately reflecting the closures yet, so plan to use Broadway Street or Lawndale Street as your east-west alternatives if heading to this area of Houston.
4. El Paso – Gateway West and East Boulevards Lane Closures
Border travelers face significant delays as both Gateway West and East Boulevards experience multiple lane closures near the international bridges. A water main replacement project has reduced traffic to just one lane in each direction along a two-mile stretch.
Weekend shoppers heading to downtown El Paso or crossing into Juárez should prepare for 40-60 minute delays during midday hours. The city has deployed traffic officers at major intersections to help manage the congestion.
The good news? Crews work primarily during daylight hours, so early morning and late evening travelers will encounter fewer disruptions. Consider using Paisano Drive or Montana Avenue as alternate routes if possible.
5. Rusk County – US 79 Resurfacing
Rural travelers heading through East Texas face a significant slowdown as crews resurface a 12-mile stretch of US 79 in Rusk County. The highway is reduced to one lane with flaggers controlling alternating traffic flow between Henderson and Jacksonville.
What would normally be a quick 20-minute drive can now take up to an hour during peak construction periods. The work primarily affects weekend travelers heading to Lake Jacksonville or connecting to Tyler via this popular route.
Locals recommend using FM 13 and US 259 as alternative routes if your schedule is tight. The project is expected to continue for three more weekends, so plan accordingly if this corridor is part of your regular travel pattern.
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