Ironman Texas returns to The Woodlands with major road closures

This weekend, the annual Ironman Texas race is coming back to The Woodlands, which means that major roads, including the Hardy Toll Road, will be closed to traffic. Drivers in the Houston area should be ready for big traffic problems.

People from all over the world will be competing in the endurance event on Saturday. It is a triathlon with a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a full 26.2-mile run. The race is likely to have an effect on traffic in Montgomery County and some parts of the greater Houston area, according to the organizers.

The northbound lanes of the Hardy Toll Road will be closed from the Northgate Crossing to near the North Loop from 10 p.m. Friday until 6 p.m. Saturday. This is the most important closure. Officials are telling drivers to plan alternative routes and be ready for delays.

At Northshore Park on Lake Woodlands, a point-to-point swim starts the race. The runners will then move on to the cycling part, which will take place on the toll road. The race will end with a marathon route that passes through various areas and concludes on Waterway Avenue.

The race has been held in The Woodlands for 16 years, establishing it as a crucial stop on the national Ironman tour. According to a deal with The Woodlands Township, the race will happen every April until 2030, as organizers had said before.

From April to October, the Ironman series holds races all over the country, drawing both expert and amateur athletes. Authorities in the area say the event also helps the local economy by bringing more tourists and hotel bookings.

The race organizers have released detailed maps indicating the affected roads and detours, particularly along the lengthy bike path. Authorities are telling people who live or drive to check ahead of time for road closures and plan to take extra time for their trips during the day.

Find race routes and open roads here. The race should end Saturday night, when the roads slowly start to reopen.