KATY, Texas - Houston drivers who use the I-10 Katy Freeway-Downtown HOV Connector will need to find another route starting Friday night as TxDOT begins a long-term closure for construction.

The connector is scheduled to close at 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, and will remain closed during demolition and reconstruction of a new elevated HOV structure.

The two-way connector provides access between I-10 and downtown Houston for HOV users, with the closure affecting the stretch between Studemont Street and downtown.