Crews to Close I-45 Lane in Galveston for Causeway Lighting Removal

The inside northbound lane will be shut down daily for road work, adding to ongoing causeway widening project.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 11:19pm

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph of a busy highway with cars in motion, blurred into vibrant streaks of color and movement, conveying the energy and chaos of coastal transportation infrastructure.The temporary lane closure on the Galveston causeway will create traffic disruptions for commuters, but also offers a unique opportunity to capture the dynamism of coastal highway travel.Galveston Today

The Texas Department of Transportation announced that starting Wednesday, the inside northbound lane of Interstate 45 in Galveston will be closed daily from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. as crews remove light poles along the causeway. The work could stretch into the weekend, but southbound lanes will remain unaffected. This is in addition to the ongoing years-long project to widen the Galveston causeway, which is expected to be completed by 2028 or 2029.

Why it matters

The causeway is a critical transportation link between Galveston Island and the Texas mainland, and any disruptions to traffic flow can significantly impact commuters, residents, and visitors. The lighting removal work adds to the existing construction, which has already caused delays and congestion for drivers.

The details

TxDOT spokesperson Danny Perez said the department is currently looking into a redesign for future lighting along the causeway. The work is expected to be completed before hundreds of University of Texas Medical Branch commuters start heading back to the mainland from Galveston.

  • The lane closures will begin on Wednesday, April 9, 2026.
  • The work is scheduled to take place daily from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  • The project could stretch into the weekend, according to TxDOT.

The players

Texas Department of Transportation

The state agency responsible for maintaining and improving Texas' transportation infrastructure, including the Galveston causeway.

Danny Perez

A spokesperson for the Texas Department of Transportation's Houston district.

University of Texas Medical Branch

A major employer and commuter destination on Galveston Island, with many employees traveling to and from the mainland daily.

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What they’re saying

“The inside lane on I-45's northbound side will close daily between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. while crews remove light poles along the causeway.”

— Danny Perez, TxDOT Spokesperson

What’s next

TxDOT is currently looking into a redesign for future lighting along the Galveston causeway, which could be implemented after the current light pole removal project is completed.

The takeaway

The lane closures on the Galveston causeway are the latest disruption for drivers in the region, adding to the ongoing construction project to widen the critical transportation link. Commuters and residents will need to plan for potential delays and congestion during the work, which comes as the area continues to grapple with the long-term impacts of infrastructure improvements.