Conroe HOV lanes to open for drivers as I-45 closures begin

CONROE – Commuters can expect lane closures on I-45 during the coming weeks as construction crews finish installing signs and striping for two new High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes on the interstate.

The $2.6 million HOV lanes will span 17.6 miles between South Loop 336 in Conroe and FM 1960 in north Harris County.

Crews will create a dedicated lane in each direction for drivers traveling with at least one passenger onboard. 

The lanes will be open 24-7, free of charge, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.

TxDOT expects the project to be completed in September and will open the lanes in two phases—the southbound lane will open a couple of weeks before the northbound lane.

Once complete, drivers will be able to enter and exit the lanes at designated areas.

Unlike the existing HOV lane spanning from FM 1960 in to Houston, the new lane will not have physical barriers and will be open in both directions at all times.