Southbound 59 at 288 in Houston to Close All Weekend for Alabama Street Bridge Demolition

Drivers in Houston should prepare for major traffic impacts this weekend as southbound U.S. 59 at Highway 288 shuts down for bridge demolition work. According to TxDOT, the closure is needed so crews can safely tear down the Alabama Street Bridge over the freeway.

The work affects a busy section of roadway near central Houston, where U.S. 59 and Highway 288 connect. Because the closure lasts through the weekend, motorists who normally use that route should expect delays and plan alternate travel paths in advance.

What drivers need to know about the southbound 59 closure

TxDOT said the southbound lanes of U.S. 59 at 288 will remain closed all weekend while demolition crews remove the Alabama Street Bridge. The agency scheduled the closure to create a safe work zone for both highway traffic and construction teams during the bridge removal.

Weekend demolitions often reduce impacts on weekday commuters. Even so, this interchange carries heavy traffic, so surrounding streets and nearby freeways could see added congestion. Drivers heading through the area should check real-time traffic conditions before leaving and allow extra travel time.

The closure matters beyond the immediate job site because the 59-288 connection serves commuters, downtown travelers, and people reaching the Texas Medical Center and nearby neighborhoods. As a result, even short trips around the area may take longer than usual while the work is underway.

Why it matters

This demolition is part of broader transportation and infrastructure work in one of Houston’s most heavily traveled corridors. Bridge removals require full closures because falling debris, heavy equipment, and lane restrictions create serious safety risks if traffic remains in place.

For residents, the immediate concern is mobility. For the region, however, the work reflects ongoing efforts to maintain and rebuild aging transportation structures. Projects like this can be disruptive in the short term, but they are typically aimed at improving long-term safety and reliability.

What’s next

Once demolition wraps up, TxDOT is expected to reopen the southbound lanes as soon as conditions are safe. However, drivers should stay alert for possible follow-up closures, detours, or construction-related traffic changes tied to continued work in the corridor.

Anyone traveling near U.S. 59 and Highway 288 this weekend should monitor updates from TxDOT and local traffic outlets before heading out. Planning ahead may help avoid some of the biggest delays.

This article is a summary of reporting by ABC13 Houston. Read the full story here.