Elissa Rivas
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Life is about finding the alternate route. Covering traffic, news and anything else you need to know for @abc13houston.
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Articles by Elissa Rivas
Intersection of Hamilton Street and Tuam Street in Midtown to close until mid-August for I-45 expansion
Intersection of Hamilton Street and Tuam Street in Midtown to close until mid-August for I-45 expansion Sun, July 26, 2026 at 4:15 PM UTC Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Intersection of Hamilton Street and Tuam Street in Midtown to close until mid-August for I-45 expansion Key takeawaysPowered by Yahoo Scout. Yahoo is using AI to generate key points from this article. This means the info may not always match what’s in the article.
I-10 at Garth Road expected to close over weekend due to work on power lines, CenterPoint says
I-10 at Garth Road expected to close over weekend due to work on power lines, CenterPoint says Sat, July 18, 2026 at 12:42 AM UTC Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Key takeawaysPowered by Yahoo Scout. Yahoo is using AI to generate key points from this article. This means the info may not always match what’s in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience.
North Freeway to close at Crosstimbers Street in both directions due to bridge repairs, TxDOT says Original
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- TxDOT announced that the North Freeway at Crosstimbers Street will temporarily close in both directions starting on Friday evening due to bridge repairs. According to TxDOT, the closure will begin at 9 p.m. on Friday, with the lanes scheduled to reopen at 5 p.m. on Saturday. The closures will alternate between directions, TxDOT officials said.
As TxDOT prepares to widen FM 518 in Pearland, some local businesses say they have to move Original
ByElissa Rivas Friday, July 10, 2026 10:32PM PEARLAND, Texas (KTRK) -- It's known as one of the busiest corridors in Pearland. FM 518 is home to big-box businesses and local shops and serves as the entrance to neighborhoods. It's about to undergo a major overhaul, and while those changes are not coming immediately, they are on the horizon. Widening FM 518 will be a huge change, not simply because of the construction, but because some businesses will have to move as TxDOT widens the roadway.
Weekend closures on interchange near Hobby Airport, I-45, and South Loop could cause traffic tie-ups Original
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Whether you're heading to Hobby Airport, downtown Houston for an Astros game, or simply driving across town, TxDOT is closing some major corridors, which may slow Houston drivers this weekend. There's a major closure scheduled for the interchange closest to Hobby Airport, I-45, and the I-610 South Loop.
Commuters need a game plan for World Cup traffic Original
As World Cup visitors descend upon the Houston area, they're joining an already crowded slate of summer activities for the Bayou City. To help commuters, the Houston-Galveston Area Council has launched a website commutegameplan.com. It combines all of the city's biggest events onto one calendar, showing the busiest days.
Special events, construction-related closures could cause traffic tie-ups around downtown Houston
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Houston drivers will dodge a handful of construction and special event closures as they hit the road this weekend. This is especially true of drivers heading into and through downtown Houston. Both I-10 and I-45 Gulf freeway will see full inbound closures. TxDOT has outlined the closures as follows: I-10 Westbound All Mainlanes, including the westbound entrance from Louisiana, are closed from Hardy Street to I-45 North.
13 Alert Traffic: Busy Houston sports weekend brings heavy traffic on I-10 Katy Freeway Original
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- As the heart of Houston transforms into a sports fan's dream, the additional traffic and weekend construction closures may make the experience of traveling to and from these events a bit of a nightmare. A multitude of sports events are happening in the Houston area this weekend. The Texas Children's Houston Open is underway at Memorial Park.
From Astros Opening Day to the Sweet 16, major events that could tie up traffic starting Thursday Original
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- This week, a historic sports day in the city will impact Houstonians going about their day. It all starts Thursday morning with the Texas Children's Houston Open at Memorial Park.
Fresh paint, new trees and increased cleaning: How TxDOT is preparing Houston for the World Cup Original
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Along Houston's major corridors, there are signs, some of them subtle, that soccer is about to take over the Bayou City. The World Cup is less than 100 days away, but TxDOT has been preparing for it for nearly two years. Ethan Beeson, the Landscape Architect for TxDOT's Houston District, says there's been a flurry of painting and planting along local roads.
Houston takes top spots in traffic congestion, Texas A&M University says Original
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- If you think Houston traffic is bad, there is now data to prove it. The Texas A&M Transportation Institute recently released its list of Top 100 Congested Road Segments in the state. The Houston metro is home to seven of the 10 most congested corridors in Texas. 1. West Loop from I-10 Katy to the Southwest Freeway 2. Eastex freeway from SH-288 to I-10 3. Woodall Rodgers freeway from US-75 to North Beckley Avenue 4. Southwest freeway from the West Loop to SH-288 5.
Drivers brace for lengthy closures along I-10 in Downtown Houston
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Another seismic change for drivers is happening along I-10 near Downtown Houston. For months, drivers west of downtown have dealt with major traffic tie-ups due to construction on Interstate-10. The White Oak Bayou project is designed to raise the mainlanes of I-10 to avoid bayou flooding which shuts down the highway during major storms. More lanes and two ramps are closing this week.
Report shows traffic congestion spreading to midday and weekends
Search query Report shows traffic congestion spreading to midday and weekends Wed, November 26, 2025 at 1:58 PM UTC If you feel like you're spending more time in traffic on the weekends and in the middle of the day, you're probably right. The Texas A&M Transportation Institute's recently released annual report shows drivers are not just sitting in traffic during the usual morning and evening work commute.
Report shows traffic congestion spreading to midday and weekends
ByElissa Rivas Wednesday, November 26, 2025 4:51AM Watch Eyewitness News and ABC13 originals around the clock HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) - If you feel like you're spending more time in traffic on the weekends and in the middle of the day, you're probably right. The Texas A&M Transportation Institute's recently released annual report shows drivers are not just sitting in traffic during the usual morning and evening work commute.
METRO features nonstop bus route to Bush airport for flights
Search query METRO features nonstop bus route to Bush airport for flights Fri, November 14, 2025 at 2:05 PM UTC Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience.Generate Key Takeaways You may want to consider a new way to get to Bush Intercontinental Airport for your next flight.
METRO features nonstop bus route to Bush airport for flights
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- You may want to consider a new way to get to Bush Intercontinental Airport for your next flight. METRO offers a nonstop bus route between downtown Houston and the curb at Terminal C, and it's called the METRO 500 IAH Downtown Direct. Downtown Houston to Bush Airport The bus route departs every 30 minutes between 5:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. from a covered bus stop inside the GRB North Transit Center at the corner of Avenida and Rusk.
TxDOT offering peek into the proposed future expansion of I-45 Gulf Freeway
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- TxDOT is offering a peek into the proposed future of the I-45 Gulf Freeway. The agency is planning to upgrade the interstate corridor within Beltway 8 in the coming years and wants to hear from you. The project encompasses the 14-mile stretch of the Gulf Freeway between downtown Houston at the US 59 interchange and South Beltway 8. It passes the University of Houston, Texas Southern University, Gulfgate area, and the Hobby Airport exits.
Road construction project on US 90A in Fort Bend County enters new phase
FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- A lengthy construction project is entering a new phase in Fort Bend County. Work continues at the busy intersection of US 90A and the Grand Parkway. TxDOT has scheduled overnight closures in the area for the next six weeks. TxDOT is building a US 90A bridge, which will allow traffic to flow freely east and west at Grand Parkway, instead of getting caught up at the intersection.
SH-99 expansion between Katy Freeway and US-290 to break ground mid-2026, TxDOT says
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The Texas Department of Transportation expects to break ground on a major expansion of State Highway 99 between the Katy freeway and US-290 in mid-2026. The expansion is the result of an agreement made more than 15 years ago, and now is the time for you to offer feedback on the plans. TxDOT says during the peak evening drive, data shows speed decreases from posted speeds of about 65 miles per hour to around 30 miles per hour along the segment from the I-10 Katy to US-290.
When can I pass a school bus? Here are some bus safety reminders as kids head back to class
It's that time of year when school buses are starting to run again. We've all been there. You're headed to work or to carpool, and you get caught behind the school bus. It's important to be patient and know when you're allowed to pass the bus and when you're not. Texas Department of Public Safety Sgt. Stephen Woodard offers an easy way to remember: "I'll give you a cheat code. If the only thing that's dividing the roadway is paint on the ground, everybody must stop.
Speeding tickets in school zones could have lasting costs as the new school year begins
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The school year is beginning for families and for drivers who will have to slow down in school zones. The greatest loss is the potential loss of life - a child or parent hit or killed walking in a school zone. However, even a ticket in a school zone can have long-lasting impacts on your wallet, and you may get one when you don't expect it. Texas Department of Public Safety Sgt.
Texas Department of Transportation making plans for State Highway 99 expansion from Katy to Cypress
CYPRESS, Texas (KTRK) -- A busy stretch of State Highway 99 is about to get a makeover. It's a 15-mile segment of SH-99 from the I-10 Katy Freeway north to US-290. The Texas Department of Transportation says it's become increasingly congested and needs expansion. At an upcoming meeting, residents will hear and see the details of TxDOT's plans, with an opportunity to ask questions about the proposed changes. TxDOT says this segment of the Grand Parkway between I-10 and US-290 opened in 2013.
Residents concerned about safe driving at Sugar Land roundabout
SUGAR LAND, Texas (KTRK) -- Roundabouts are growing in popularity on our roadways, but one couple in Sugar Land fears the safety of one roundabout in their neighborhood is jeopardized by drivers who may not use it correctly. Henry and Marla Radoff are retired and living near Constellation Field, near a two-lane roundabout at the intersection of Imperial and North Stadium Drive. "When we first moved in, our concern was the traffic speeders," Henry said.
Construction on Highway 90A at SH-99 in Sugar Land taking longer than expected, with completion expected by end of 2026
SUGAR LAND, T (KTRK) -- Construction at a heavily congested intersection in the Sugar Land area is taking longer than expected. Highway 90A at the Grand Parkway has been under construction since September 2023. The Texas Department of Transportation is rebuilding the intersection to ease congestion. The $47 million project widens the 90A thoroughfare, upgrades drainage, sidewalks, retaining and sound walls. It will create a bridge to allow traffic on 90A heading east and west to keep moving.
Houston-Galveston Area Council seeks public input on Regional Transportation Plan 2050
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Whether you drive to work, bike, walk, or use public transit, there's an opportunity for you right now to shape transportation in our region for the future. The Houston-Galveston Area Council wants to hear from you at public meetings as it creates the Regional Transportation Plan 2050, also known as the RTP 2050. H-GAC calls it a long-range blueprint for regional transportation.
Voters approved a $480 million bond in May to pay for transportation upgrades throughout Montgomery County
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- The fast growth of Montgomery County seems to go hand in hand with concerns about traffic. Drivers like Matt Yarotsky have seen their concern grow over time. "Throughout the county, they keep building developments and don't widen the roads to accommodate the people so it takes forever to get to work," he said.
Houston Police Department continue to crack down on road rage, focusing on some of city's major corridors
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The Houston Police Department said its officers are cracking down on road rage, focusing enforcement on some of Houston's major corridors. Recent data shows how prevalent road rage has become, and how it could be changing our driving habits. University of Houston professor Dr. Ionnis Pavlidis surveyed 1,400 Texas drivers in 2023, and a big percentage said they've encountered road rage.
Traffic trouble in Fulshear as city struggles to keep up with population
FULSHEAR, Texas (KTRK) -- From FM 1463 to the Fulshear Town Center, orange barrels are everywhere in the city of Fulshear. When ABC13 asked resident John Boren about driving around, he said he's seen remarkable change in a short time. "Now, it is jam-packed from morning until night," Boren said. While TxDOT works to keep up with growth by expanding FM 1463, the city of Fulshear is working to keep the city itself livable and mobile.
Downtown Houston exit on Polk Street off I-45 to close for transformation project, TxDOT says
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- TxDOT has announced the temporary closure of a major downtown exit starting Tuesday morning. The US 59 northbound exit to Polk Street closes at 9 a.m. and is scheduled to reopen at the end of June. The closure will allow construction crews to install huge drainage culverts, which TxDOT says are needed for major changes to I-45 and US-59 through downtown.
Construction along North Sam Houston Tollway between Imperial Valley and Aldine Westfield near IAH is almost complete
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A northside construction project not far from Bush Airport, along the North Sam Houston Tollway between Imperial Valley and Aldine Westfield, is in the homestretch. Eyewitness News viewers have expressed concern over congestion along this corridor since construction began last June, but the work holding up traffic is scheduled to finish soon.
New options possible for commuters along Highway 90A in Fort Bend County
FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- Fort Bend County commuters can have their voices heard on the possible routes for a new transit option at a public meeting this week. The Houston-Galveston Area Council has conducted a survey leading to three possible routes for a new transit route, primarily along Highway 90A.
Adopt a Highway: Texans volunteering to take care of roadways through state roadway cleaning program through TxDOT
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- You've likely seen the TxDOT signs that say "Adopt a Highway." Thousands of volunteer Texans take care of cleaning our roadways -- many of them in the Houston area. One of those volunteers is Michael Savage of St. John the Theologian Greek Orthodox Church in Webster. "Plastic drink bottles, plastic car parts, paper bags from fast food places, styrofoam cups from fast food places," Savage said.
TxDOT designates Highway 87 on Bolivia Peninsula an official hurricane evacuation route
BOLIVAR PENINSULA, Texas (KTRK) -- As we approach the start of hurricane season, it's important to know what to do if a storm moves toward southeast Texas. People on the Bolivar Peninsula are getting a lifeline as the state officially designates State Highway 87 as an evacuation route. When a storm moves in from the Gulf, TxDOT sends emergency response equipment first to designated hurricane evacuation routes. This now includes State Highway 87 between Crystal Beach and State Highway 124.
More than 2,000 trail riders are descending on Houston's Memorial Park before the 2025 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- More than 2,000 trail riders on 11 different routes are descending on Houston's Memorial Park preceding the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. The trail riders will stay at the park on Friday night, in advance of their final trek to downtown Houston on Saturday morning for the HLSR Parade.
METRO unveils latest plan to improve transportation safety and direct routes to and from Houston airports ahead of FIFA World Cup Original
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- METRO Houston is unveiling its latest plan to improve how we get around our communities. They're calling it METRONow. Board Chair Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock says it's meant to address immediate needs in the system. "We're doing an assessment to understand where our ridership should be," says Brock.
Houston traffic: Construction on north Beltway 8 towards IAH is scheduled to be finished in 2025, TxDOT says
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The continuing construction on North Beltway-8 can be quite the headache for northside drivers and many others who head to Bush Airport, but TxDOT says it is scheduled to be finished in a matter of months. The lane closures are happening along the Beltway between Imperial Valley and Aldine Westfield. The lanes were closed in June of last year for replacement.
Houston transportation agencies keeping eyes on forecast ahead of next week's freezing weather
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- As southeast Texas awaits freezing weather in the next week, local transportation agencies say they are keeping a close eye on the forecast. The TxDOT Houston office says it is getting continual updates from the National Weather Service as we head into the weekend. The Harris County Toll Road Authority is also watching the forecast and says its crews are prepared to implement closures and detours, and if necessary, treat any roads deemed impassable due to ice.
Rice University's Hispanic Association for Cultural Enrichment host 'college quince' for senior Anna Tetrault
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we're focusing on the quinceañera tradition, a birthday rite of passage for 15-year-old girls in the Hispanic community. Anna Tetrault's recent quinceañera celebration featured the familiar formal dress, food, and cake, but she didn't celebrate it as a 15-year-old. The celebration came much later for her as a student at Rice University.
White Oak Bayou Project to solve I-10 flooding, trucks hitting Houston Avenue bridge by elevating freeway, TxDOT says
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The Houston Avenue bridge over Interstate 10 near downtown Houston is a hot spot for 18-wheeler wrecks, but changes are coming. Trucks on I-10 attempt to pass under the Houston Avenue bridge with loads that are just too high, striking the bridge, causing wrecks and backups, and repeatedly putting drivers in danger over the years.
Storm prep: Is southeast Texas ready for another mass evacuation since Hurricane Rita?
GALVESTON, Texas (KTRK) -- On a sunny day in Galveston, no one thinks about evacuating for the next storm. For longtime residents like Kerry O'Malley, leaving during a storm is rare. "The first time we ever decided to evacuate was Rita. And that was because after Katrina had just hit and there was so much devastation, we were worried," O'Malley said. The evacuation before Hurricane Rita in September 2005 was one of the largest in U.S. history.
US 59 over Brazos River in Sugar Land on cusp of TxDOT's $53 million bridge construction project
SUGAR LAND, Texas (KTRK) -- We've seen our southeast Texas rivers rise repeatedly, flooding roadways. The Brazos River is eroding the land under the U.S. 59 bridge in Sugar Land, and the Texas Department of Transportation is about to start a major construction project to fix it. ABC13 has visited the Brazos many times to show you the erosion. TxDOT is now on the cusp of a 38-month project to reconstruct part of the bridge to keep it stable.
Airline travel at Bush and Hobby airports expected to be busy during Memorial Day weekend, Houston Airport System says
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The Houston Airport System is urging passengers to prepare for a busy Memorial Day weekend at Bush Intercontinental and Hobby airports. The HAS expects 1.3 million passengers between the Thursday and Wednesday after Memorial Day. Due to the kickoff of the summer travel season, airport officials urge you to reserve parking at least 12 hours in advance. A check of parking availability shows some airport parking lots were already close to capacity on Thursday.
Road to recovery: Work crews across Harris County respond as road repairs continue in aftermath of severe floods
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- Our ABC13 reporters have shown you what recent flooding has done to homes, but what about our roads? In Harris County, the hardest-hit area was to the north and east side of Precinct 3. "We have station crews and station equipment so that we can quickly respond. And to have this road drivable in less than a week is pretty extraordinary," Harris County Commissioner Tom Ramsey said.
State of Texas in association with Blueridge Transportation Group to take over maintenance of the SH-288 corridor and tolling
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- It's talked about as one of the pricier tolls in our region-the State Highway 288 Express Tollway. It stretches from the Pearland area into Downtown Houston, but may sometimes cost drivers upwards of $15. Commuter Nicholas Tidwell usually opts for the main lanes or frontage road. "It seems pretty steep for being only 7 to 8 miles to downtown," Tidwell said.
Gridlock Alert: Prepare for Houston traffic this weekend with major closures including East Sam Houston Tollway
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Houston baby found: Woman believed to be infant's mother charged, wanted for leaving son in car seat outside home, police say Original
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- After an infant was found outside a family's home in southeast Houston, records show a woman believed to be the child's mother has been charged and is wanted. Police said they are looking for Loretta Norwood. They add that on March 22, she dropped her son off in a car seat outside a home in the 8400 block of Winthrop Lane. According to the charging documents, the woman inside the home found the infant and called police.
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo 2024: Parking, transportation tips, and how you can avoid traffic as annual event begins
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is now underway, and we're showing you how to get around without getting stuck in traffic. From an opportunity to pay for parking in advance, an improved experience on the RodeoHouston app, construction near NRG Park, and more -- ABC13 has everything you need to know before you hit the road to the rodeo. With thousands of rodeo visitors every day, you may want to ride the METRORail Red Line for curbside dropoff.
Controversial improvement project along Houston Avenue between Lubbock and Washington deals with water main leak
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A stretch of Houston Avenue near downtown at the center of a controversial improvement project is seeing even more problems. From heavy traffic and construction, now to a water main leak. The stretch of Houston Avenue between Lubbock and Washington received what was supposed to be an upgrade in recent months, with the addition of medians. It was supposed to make the area safer for travel, but complaints rolled in about drivers' confusion and congestion.
Over 9 million Texans to travel this holiday season, airports and roads expect record-breaking numbers
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Record-breaking travel crowds are expected in Houston airports and on roads during the holiday season. According to AAA Texas, over 9 million Texans are expected to travel during the end-of-year holiday season. This marks a 2% increase from last year. The Houston Airport System announced that the busy holiday season has already begun and will last through Wednesday, Jan. 3. The entire three-week period will be busy, with Friday, Dec. 15, Sunday, Dec. 17, and Monday, Dec.
Houston-area's top law enforcement agencies join to curb rising deaths among pedestrians and cyclists
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- Our region's top law enforcement agencies are joining together, hoping to save the lives of people walking and cycling in our communities. They're stepping up law enforcement around crosswalks and reminding everyone how to stay safe. Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzales said the number of auto-pedestrian deaths has increased year after year. In 2023, his investigators have already had to handle 60 pedestrian deaths.
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