Smither Drive bridge over IH 45 closes Feb. 17 for reconstruction. Expect detours & intermittent closures on the frontage road.
/wp:heading wp:paragraphHUNTSVILLE – Weather permitting, beginning at 8:00 AM Monday, February 17, 2025, the existing Smither Drive bridge over IH 45 will be closed to traffic for several months while the old bridge is demolished and the new bridges and intersections are constructed. The new bridges will consist of a main bridge with multiple lanes and two separate U-turn bridges on the north and south sides of the main bridge. During this closure, traffic desiring to cross IH 45 will need to do so by utilizing the U-turn bridge at FM 1374 and SH 30. A signed detour will be in place to help guide motorists.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphAdditionally, throughout the day, Monday, February 17, 2025, the IH 45 Southbound Frontage Road under the Smither Drive bridge (between SH 30 and FM 1374) will be closed intermittently in spans of no more than 15 minutes at a time as a safety precaution to all traffic to allow demolition of the westernmost span of the Smither Drive bridge. Traffic will be restored on the IH 45 Southbound Frontage Road the same day once the demolition work is complete.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphTo alert drivers to the change, changeable message signs will be placed in advance of the area where this condition will occur. The speed limit is reduced to 60 MPH on IH 45 main lanes throughout the limits of the project and 40 MPH and 45 MPH on the frontage roads in the work area.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphDrivers should plan for alternate routes or utilize the detour routes provided during the closures.
For more information, contact Bobby.Colwell@txdot.gov or (979) 778-9764.
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Part of the I-45 Central Walker County Project – Segment 2B
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphThis project is part of Segment 2B of the I-45 Central Walker County Project, which aims to enhance freight mobility and address congestion along the I-45 corridor. Segment 2B is a 4.7-mile-long project within the city limits of Huntsville, stretching from SH 30 to 0.7 miles south of FM 1696.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphAs part of Segment 2B, the Smither Drive bridge replacement is one of many infrastructure improvements, including:
/wp:paragraph wp:list- Widening I-45 from four to six lanes
- Reconstructing and realigning freeway main lanes and ramps
- Creating two new interchanges
- Enhancing drainage structures, bridges, and frontage roads
The overall Segment 2B construction is expected to begin in Fall 2026, though the Smither Drive bridge replacement is being completed earlier as part of the long-term improvements.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphFull project details can be found on the TXDOT website at https://www.txdot.gov/projects/projects-studies/bryan/i45-central-walker.html
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphInformation You Need to Know
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphClosure Date: Begins at 8:00 AM on Monday, February 17, 2025 (weather permitting).Project Scope: Demolition of the old Smither Drive bridge over IH 45 and construction of a new bridge system.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphNew Bridge Design:
/wp:paragraph wp:list- A main bridge with multiple lanes.
- Two U-turn bridges on the north and south sides of the main bridge.
Traffic Impact:
/wp:paragraph wp:list- The Smither Drive bridge will be closed for several months for reconstruction.
- Motorists needing to cross IH 45 must use detour routes at FM 1374 and SH 30.
- A signed detour will be in place to guide drivers.
Intermittent Frontage Road Closures:
/wp:paragraph wp:list- IH 45 Southbound Frontage Road under Smither Drive (between SH 30 and FM 1374) will be closed intermittently in 15-minute intervals for bridge demolition.
- Traffic will resume the same day once the demolition is complete.
Safety Measures:
/wp:paragraph wp:list- Changeable message signs will alert drivers in advance of closures.
- Speed limits reduced:
- IH 45 main lanes: 60 MPH
- Frontage roads in the work zone: 40-45 MPH
Motorist Advisory:
/wp:paragraph wp:list- Drivers should plan alternate routes or use detour routes during the closure.
- Expect delays and construction activity in the area.
Contact for More Information:
/wp:paragraph wp:list- Bobby Colwell, TxDOT – Bobby.Colwell@txdot.gov or (979) 778-9764.