White Oak Bayou Elevation Project: Raising Katy Freeway to Combat Flooding and Bridge Strikes

Project Overview and Goals

• 💡 The $400 million White Oak Bayou elevation project is underway to address persistent flooding and bridge strikes.
• 🎯 The primary goal is to eliminate bridge strikes by elevating the Katy Freeway main lanes.

Project Scope and Timeline

• 🚀 The project involves raising the Katy Freeway from Heights Boulevard to I-45.
• 🚧 A key component is the removal and rebuilding of the Houston Avenue bridge under the new elevated lanes, scheduled for early 2027.
• 🗓️ The entire project, including the solution for flooding and bridge strikes, is expected to be completed by mid-2028.

Current Progress and Impact

• ✅ Favorable weather has allowed contractors to stay on schedule, with phase two of the project commencing last week.
• ⚠️ Phase two includes shutting down connector ramps between I-10 and I-45 and reducing I-10 from three lanes to two.
• 🚚 Truck drivers are eagerly anticipating the project's completion in 2028 to alleviate ongoing issues.