Houston Tollways

[RVhiker]

My policy is to avoid Houston and it's traffic if at all possible. Soon, though, we'll have to go through Houston. We'll be on Hwy 59 on the north side of Houston, take Beltway 8 and the toll roads around the west side of Houston until it links up again with Hwy 59.

Which side of the toll plazas are the cash lanes located? Will any cash lane be wide enough for my trailer to fit through?

Thanks to all.

[Leroy2u]

You shouldn't have a problem gettting through the toll plaza's at all, they are all on the RIGHT side of the plaza. I will say though if you are passing through on a weekend day there is a very good possibility that the there will be a long line and your wait time could be 5-10 min.

Good luck with your travels...

Mark

[Quahog]

Is there a reason why you're not just taking 59 all the way?

[RVhiker]

Thanks, Leroy2u.

Quahog, 59 through the middle of Houston has usually been a crowded bumper-to-bumper mess when I've gone through that way, but it's been a while since I went that way; I thought that the tollways would be less traveled and less crowded. What is the best way to go through Houston from north 59 at about noon on a weekday (wish I had a helicopter to use)?

[Quahog]

Originally Posted by RVhiker

Thanks, Leroy2u.

Quahog, 59 through the middle of Houston has usually been a crowded bumper-to-bumper mess when I've gone through that way, but it's been a while since I went that way; I thought that the tollways would be less traveled and less crowded. What is the best way to go through Houston from north 59 at about noon on a weekday (wish I had a helicopter to use)?

Coming from the north side of town, it's not too bad. There are a couple of slow-downs but I go through there periodically around that time of day and I've not had much trouble. Just take your time and leave yourself plenty of room because you will have lots of idiots who will put their life at risk (and yours) just to get to their destination 30 seconds sooner.

It's true that the BW8 will be less congested but it's a pretty expensive toll wise plus you'll waste a lot of time at the toll booths.

[Bob Landry]

I think it would be pretty expensive pulling that trailer on a toll road for little if any savings in time. But then, I have a thing against toll roads anyway, and I have not driven on one since they rammed them down our throats in the Austin area. I'll sit on a feeder and wait for a light before I give the state (or the Spaniards) any money to drive on these roads other than what I pay when I buy gas. I know my boycott won't put them out of business, it's just a matter of principle with me.

[RedHorse1]

I think you'll hit 3 toll stops. It's $1.50 for a car. Extra ror the trailer but I don't know how much. I have the EZ Tag sticker and just pay the $1.50 so for me so it's a no-brainer. Depending on day of the week and time of day I'd take the beltway even if I had to stop for tolls. IMO, the worst part of 59 is the 59, 288 interchange. Weekday at noon will prolly be not too bad tho.
If you get traffic on your cell, check it on the way into town and pick what looks best.
Travel safe!

[Quahog]

Heading north it seems worse than going south, which I think he said he's doing. That spot right at 288/59 is pretty quick during that time of day. At least it is for me.