Galleria-area businesses not looking forward to ramp closures: ‘It’s going to be impossible’

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Crews were supposed to close the Southwest Freeway northbound connector ramp to I-610 West Loop northbound Thursday night, but due to weather, that didn’t happen.

TxDOT said heavy rain has postponed the start of the closure until Friday, June 4, at 9 p.m.

Though drivers felt a sense of relief, they aren’t ready for what Friday night will bring.

At the corner of what’s going to be a traffic nightmare, you will find Casa de Montecristo – a tobacco shop just off the West Loop.

Jonathan Nelson, a cigar concierge for the shop, told he’s dreading what’s to come for his customers.

“We have one of the largest cigar selections in the city,” he said. “Anytime commuter time goes up, it’s bad for everyone. We have people come [and] drive 45 minutes to get here, and with traffic, it’s going to be impossible.”

Starting Friday night until sometime early next year, the I-69 Southwest Freeway connector ramp to 610 West Loop northbound will be closed.

To try to get around this, you can take the Fournace/Bellaire exit ramp and go on to the West Loop South then make a U-turn under the loop to head north. Then you can enter the northbound main lanes on the West Loop

“I’m sure the neighborhoods behind us won’t be happy at all,” said Nelson.

Due to that concern, TxDOT said it plans to limit access to the Afton Oaks neighborhood from the I-69 southbound frontage road so that drivers won’t cut through to get to Richmond.

Then, starting Monday at 9 p.m., crews will then close the I-69 southbound connector ramp to 610 West Loop northbound. This closure is anticipated to be in place until late 2021.

All of this is part of a $259 million project to take down the existing ramps and reconstruct new ones that will enhance safety and improve mobility, according to TxDOT.

For any Houston driver, it’s safe to say it’s going to be a long road ahead.

“Being in Houston, we just hope for the best,” said Nelson.