TxDOT announces major toll reductions on SH 288 managed lanes bringing relief to Houston area drivers
Houston, Texas – The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has announced that tolls on the SH 288 managed lanes in south Houston will be reduced by nearly half beginning September 1, 2025, fulfilling a pledge to bring relief to Texas drivers. The change will affect the Harris County portion of SH 288, with most drivers seeing significant savings throughout the day. Some short peak-time periods will remain at current rates to ensure traffic continues moving at a minimum speed.
Governor Greg Abbott praised the move, connecting it to his broader effort to reduce financial strain on Texans. “Cutting taxes for Texans is a top priority, and that includes cutting toll rates,” Abbott said. “By lowering toll rates and adding free lanes along SH 288, we will achieve that goal while also easing roadway congestion. I thank the Texas Department of Transportation for cutting toll charges and building new free lanes in the Houston area to keep Texans moving.”
TxDOT’s Takeover of SH 288
This toll relief comes less than a year after TxDOT exercised its right in October 2024 to take control of SH 288 operations. The agency’s goal was to reduce toll costs for drivers while still ensuring sufficient funding for maintenance and preparing the corridor for future improvements.
Texas Transportation Commission Chair J. Bruce Bugg Jr. explained the significance of this milestone. “When TxDOT made the historic move to buy back this roadway, we promised drivers toll relief and that we would repay the state highway fund for the money that was borrowed to allow the state of Texas to take control of this roadway. Now we’re fulfilling both promises,” Bugg said. “This will provide real benefits for Houston area drivers and is a great example of how we work to ease congestion across the state.”
In addition to lowering tolls, TxDOT is restoring the $1.7 billion payment to the state highway fund. This ensures that future transportation projects across Texas remain on schedule and do not face delays.
Plans for New Free Lanes
The changes do not stop at toll reductions. TxDOT announced that part of the toll revenue collected will go toward building two new free general-purpose lanes—one in each direction—along SH 288 between IH 610 and Beltway 8.
Texas Transportation Commissioner Steven Alvis highlighted the long-term vision: “Not only will this help people now, but we’re planning more free lanes in the next few years for faster and easier commutes between downtown Houston and Brazoria County. This exciting update shows Texans that when we say we’re going to do something, we mean it.”
These expansions are expected to further ease congestion, shorten commutes, and give Houston-area drivers more travel options.
Managing the Toll System
While TxDOT now sets toll rates, the Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) will continue handling billing and customer account services. The TxDOT-managed portion of SH 288 spans more than 10 miles of tolled facilities from I-69 to the Harris-Brazoria County line.
Toll rates on SH 288 are dynamic, varying by the day of the week, time of day, and number of vehicle axles. Rates may change every half hour to maintain steady traffic flow and reduce congestion in the managed lanes.
With these new reductions and future expansions, TxDOT leaders believe they are delivering real, tangible relief for Houston drivers while keeping their promise to invest in infrastructure that benefits all Texans.
