Current Major Closures

What's going on here: Without notice, the Mayor directed Houston Public Works to demolish the Austin St Bike Lane while crews were working on an unrelated drainage project. The demolition of the bike lane extends from Elgin St to Gray St.

Why this closure is important: The two-way Austin St Bike Lane has served as the spine of Houston's bike network, connecting people to Downtown, Midtown, Buffalo Bayou, and more.

How do I get around the closure:

• Heading south from downtown, take a right at Gray St to access the southbound Caroline St Bike Lane. The Holman St bike way will get you back to Austin St.

• Heading north from HCC/Museum Park, you can still travel along Austin St, but beware construction-related damage to the road.

If you're looking for other north-south options, consider using the Hutchins St Bike Lane, one block east of 288. This protected bike lane features additional traffic calming measures, provides direct access to other bike facilities on Tuam, Gray & Polk, but can be tricky when crossing under the Gulf Fwy.

When will things go back to normal: We don't know. In response to the community's backlash resulting from the demolition, the City has indicated that a northbound bike lane along Austin St will be reinstalled after other work is completed, but we are awaiting additional information.

Who you should contact for more information: Engage@houstontx.gov.

If you live or work in the area, let Midtown Super Neighborhood #62 and District I Councilmember Carolyn Evans-Shabazz know how important the Austin St Bike Lane is for you.

What's going on here: The Brays Bayou Trail is closed at Spur 5 due to ongoing construction related the SH 35 (Spur 5) expansion.

Why this closure is important: The Brays Bayou Trail is a first-class greenway trail, providing direct access to the University of Houston, the Texas Medical Center, the Houston Zoo, Hermann Park, Macgregor Park, Mason Park, and Fonde Park, connecting neighborhoods all the way from Magnolia Park in the East End to Meyerland and beyond on the southwest side of town.

How do I get around the closure: Riders beware! A signed detour has been provided, but it does not do the trail or its users justice. When you're ready...

• Heading east from the UH campus, just after the take the eastern sidewalk along MLK Blvd south until you hit Old Spanish Trail. A narrow temporary bikeway and sidewalk will get you to Lidstone St, where you can reconnect with the trail.

• Heading west from the East End, take Lidstone to OST to MLK

When will things go back to normal: 2026, if we're lucky? Fortunately the trail remains in good shape, but highway expansion projects can drag on forever, as this one has.

Who you should contact for more information: info@houstonparksboard.org

If you live or work in the area, let Greater Third Ward Super Neighborhood #67 and District D Councilmember Carolyn Evans-Shabazz know how important the Brays Bayou Trail is for you.

Update - This lane is now open!

What's going on here: The southbound section of the Waugh Street Bike lane has been closed for some time.

Why this closure is important: Waugh provides connectivity to the heart of Montrose

How do I get around the closure:

• Woodhead is a good unprotected, but low traffic alternative to the west.

When will things go back to normal: We don't currently know. Stay tuned for more info.

What's going on here: The Cleburne Street Bike Lane is closed at 288 due to ongoing construction related the I-45/NHHIP project.

Why this closure is important: The Cleburne Street Bike Lane is the only protected east-west bike lane in the area to get under 288/59.

How do I get around the closure: Heading east from midtown, take a right on Chartres St and head a few blocks south to Wheeler Ave to get under 288. Heading west from Third Ward, take a left on Bastrop St and head a few blocks south to Wheeler Ave to get under 288.

If you're looking for other east-west options, consider using the Tuam bikeway 0.7 miles north of Cleburne. This is not a protected bikelane, but it is low-speed, low-volume and provides direct access to important north-south segments in the area.

When will things go back to normal: Unfortunately, we don't anticipate this portion of the Cleburne Street Bike Lane to re-open for the foreseeable future. When it does reopen years from now, we anticipate it will look completely different.

Who you should contact for more information: nhhip.ombudsman@txdot.gov

If you live or work in the area, let Greater Third Ward Super Neighborhood #67 and District D Councilmember Carolyn Evans-Shabazz know how important the Cleburne St Bike Lane is for you.

UPDATE - This closure is now open!

Buffalo Bayou Trail on the north side of the bayou between Waugh Drive and Rosemont... no good detour if you're heading East... Best bet is to cross to the south side of the Bayou at the Jackson Hill bridge if you're heading east, and Rosemont bridge if you're heading west.

What's going on here: Buffalo Bayou Trail north of the bayou between Waugh Drive and the Rosemont Pedestrian Bridge, near Montrose Boulevard has been closed for some time due, presumably, to a drainage project for the bayou.

Why this closure is important: East-West connectivity on the bayou can be confusing at the best of times because some locations are only accessible from the north or south side.

How do I get around the closure: Heading east, take the Jackson Hill Bridge (section that crosses the bayou, not the pedestrian bridge) to the south side of Buffalo Bayou. Take a left on Buffalo Bayou Trail toward Eleanor Tinsely Park. Travel until you pass under Waugh Drive and then Montrose Boulevard, and take the Rosemont hike and bike bridge back to the north side of the Bayou. Heading West, do the opposite. Take a left on the Rosemont Bridge, right on the trail, and then right on the Jackson Hill bridge to cross back to the north side of the bayou.

If you're looking for other east-west options, consider using Center Street, about a mile north of the bayou. This is not a protected bike lane, but it is low-speed, low-volume and provides direct access to important north-south segments in the area.

When will things go back to normal: Stay tuned for more information.