Expect to do without eastbound Interstate 10 in the downtown Houston area for the weekend, while expecting nearby streets to see heavier use because of a bridge project.

Texas Department of Transportation officials said the closing is expected to last from 9 p.m. Friday until 5 a.m. Monday. Eastbound lanes will be reduced gradually, starting at Heights, until the entire freeway is closed at I-45. Traffic there will be forced onto I-45, either northbound or southbound, said TxDOT spokeswoman Deidrea George.

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TxDOT officials said drivers wishing to continue on I-10 eastbound beyond downtown should follow I-45 northbound to Loop 610, then head eastbound and return to downtown via U.S. 59 southbound. Drivers can then merge back onto I-10 eastbound.

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In addition to the freeway closing, entrance ramps to eastbound I-10 at Patterson, and Yale/Heights will be closed. Exit ramps at Taylor and Smith will be closed. The entrance ramp at Taylor will be open, though traffic will immediately be forced onto I-45, George said.