HOUSTON — Traffic on the Katy Freeway is back to normal after an 18-wheeler hit the Houston Avenue Bridge heading inbound Friday morning, according to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.
According to Houston Transtar, the crash happened at 6:48 a.m. near Taylor Street. A right shoulder and right lane were closed. The incident was cleared shortly before 1 p.m.
Transtar also reports that there was a hazmat spill that had to be cleared before both lanes reopened.
The sheriff recommended that motorists find an alternate route.
Drivers can use Washington Avenue as an alternate route by exiting the freeway at Taylor Street and then proceed south to Washington Avenue. Continue eastbound on Washington Avenue, which runs parallel to the freeway, and re-enter I-10 after passing the incident area.
Memorial Drive is also an option. Exit at Westcott Street and head south to Memorial Drive. Travel eastbound on Memorial Drive, and merge back onto the freeway beyond the crash site.
If you are coming from further out west, consider using Allen Parkway. Exit at Shepherd Drive, head south to Allen Parkway, and then proceed eastbound. Allen Parkway leads directly into downtown Houston, providing access to various routes to bypass the incident.
Check out our interactive traffic map: