I-45 at NASA Parkway shut this weekend

By T.J. Aulds
The Daily News
Published March 3, 2009

WEBSTER — Commuters who drive Interstate 45 in the Clear Lake area or who travel between Webster and Friendswood along NASA Parkway will have to adjust their travel plans.

State road crews will shut down I-45 Friday through Monday, while NASA Parkway is scheduled to be closed through May.

The demolition of the NASA Parkway bridge at I-45 is scheduled to begin Friday. The interstate’s main lanes will be closed throughout the weekend. That’s just the beginning of what transportation officials say will be a major travel headache for two to three months.

At 9 p.m. Friday, the interstate will be closed from just north of League City to Bay Area Boulevard. I-45 is expected to reopen at 5 a.m. Monday.

Workers will begin closing lanes tonight as crews prepare for the demolition. That includes work on the feeder roads.

Starting Wednesday night, the southbound frontage road will be rerouted to FM 528. The northbound frontage will be rerouted to NASA Parkway east starting Thursday.

Those wanting to avoid I-45 during construction should take state Highway 3.

The biggest commuter snag will be for those who use NASA Parkway to travel between Webster and Friendswood. The section of the road that crosses I-45 will be closed through May 4.

When the road reopens in May, NASA Parkway will cross under I-45.

Until then, commuters should use FM 646, FM 518, Bay Area Boulevard, El Dorado or FM 2351.

For those traveling south on I-45 and wanting to get to NASA or Clear Lake, the best route may be the NASA Parkway Bypass.

Texas Department of Transportation spokeswoman Karen Othon said the contractor has been given a $20,000-a-day incentive to finish the job early.

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I-45 main lanes shut down

9 p.m. Friday through 5 a.m. Monday

Alternate route: State Highway 3

Note: Frontage road detours of I-45 will be open

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NASA Parkway/FM 528 at I-45 shut down

9 p.m. Wednesday through May 4

Alternate routes: FM 2351, Bay Area Boulevard or El Dorado Boulevard to the north of NASA Parkway;

FM 646 and FM 518 to the south of NASA Parkway

Those traveling south on I-45 can also take the NASA Bypass to get to NASA or Clear Lake