This weekend, Sugar Land drivers need to plan ahead due to a major closure on the Southwest Freeway. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) began temporarily shutting down the southbound lanes of I-69 from University Boulevard to Grand Parkway yesterday at 9 p.m., with reopening expected Monday at 5 a.m., as reported by CW39.
The closure is part of the ongoing Brazos River Bridge Project, which aims to extend the bridge and address the gradual erosion compromising its structural integrity. During the closure, all main lane traffic will be redirected to the HOV lane, with two inside lanes open at first. Later, traffic will be shifted to two outside lanes. Additionally, the southbound entrance ramp at Sweetwater Boulevard will be closed.
Fort Bend County motorists are advised that a similar closure will impact the area from University Boulevard to Greatwood Parkway. This closure is part of Phase II of the I-69 Brazos River Bridge project, beginning this weekend. As stated by ABC13, three lanes will move to the right onto the newly built southbound mainland bridge, while the HOV lane and one additional southbound main lane will shift left to navigate around the work zone.
This $53 million project is designed to address ongoing erosion problems and improve traffic flow and safety for all drivers. The southbound frontage bridge is still under construction, with an estimated completion date by the end of 2025. As per ABC13, "the northbound mainlanes and frontage are still in need of work," so the entire project is not expected to be finished until late 2027.
