The Galveston Wharves and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) are making progress in developing a solution to minimize port-related transportation impacts related to the Tiki Island bridge weight restrictions on Interstate 45 northbound. Below is the most current update from TxDOT, followed by a list of contacts. The port will provide updates as information is available. For updates, visit www.portofgalveston.com or follow the port on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theportofgalveston/

STATEMENT FROM TxDOT

Issued at 4:40 p.m. Friday, May 6

To provide relief for overweight vehicles coming from Galveston Island, the Texas Department of Transportation will need to close multiple mainlanes of I-45 Gulf Freeway in both directions this weekend just north of Tiki Island to reconfigure the northbound and southbound lanes at this location. Two lanes of I-45 northbound and southbound will be closed starting at 9 pm tonight (May 6) until 5 am on Monday, May 9.

During the closures, motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to seek alternate routes.  

Currently, vehicles over the maximum legal weight of 80,000 pounds are not permitted to pass over the I-45 northbound bridge at the BNSF rail line just north of Tiki Island and Galveston Island in Galveston County. This specific bridge was scheduled for demolition and reconstruction as part of a complete reconstruction of I-45 in this area. However, during a recent bridge inspection, it was learned that the bridge had several damaged beams. It was decided to accelerate the reconstruction of the bridge. 

We understand the concerns of the community and we will continue to do all we can to implement a plan that will provide some relief for the freight and trucking communities as well as for the general traveling public. Closures related to the projects on I-45 in Galveston County can be found at www.houstontranstar.org and www.drivetexas.org. 

Follow us on social media for updates: Twitter: @txdothouston, Instagram: TxDOTHouston and Facebook www.facebook.com/txdothouston.

Danny Perez

Public Information Officer

Texas Dept. of Transportation - Houston District

(I-610/ I-69 Project, Galveston Ferry, Brazoria,

Galveston, N. Harris, and Social Media)

Danny.Perez@txdot.gov

Office: (713) 802-5077

Cell: (281) 686-0977

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For specific information about cargo at the port, contact the stevedoring companies below.

CONTACTS:

For all RORO cargo:                                                     For all wind energy cargo:

Ports America                                                                  Metro Ports              

3927 Wharf Road                                                           Pier 34 &40

Pier 39/40                                                                       Galveston, TX 77550

Galveston, TX 77550                                                    (409) 739-5613 or (843) 819-4104

(409) 762-8290

PORT MEDIA INQUIRIES:

Kathy Thomas, Community Strategies, LLC

kathy@communitystrategiesllc.com

(409) 789-9284