Info on US 59, TX 43 and US 79 in Texas

[bg1811]

I'm going to be driving an entertainer coach from Nashville to the Fellowship of the Woodlands in Woodlands, TX in a couple weeks. The mapping programs show using US 59 from Texarkana south to I-20. TX 43 from I-20 south to Henderson, TX. US 79 from Henderson, TX south to I-45 at Buffalo, TX. I'm think I was on the road maybe ten years ago, but, I can't remember. Is anyone familiar with these roads etc?

[bg1811]

I'm going to be driving an entertainer coach from Nashville to the Fellowship of the Woodlands in Woodlands, TX in a couple weeks. The mapping programs show using US 59 from Texarkana south to I-20. TX 43 from I-20 south to Henderson, TX. US 79 from Henderson, TX south to I-45 at Buffalo, TX. I'm think I was on the road maybe ten years ago, but, I can't remember. Is anyone familiar with these roads etc?

[FlyFish]

what you describe is the most direct/least mileage route with the most smaller roads, most scenic, and small towns and traffic lights. i prefer interstates and would take 30 from texarkana to dallas take 20 loop around the south to 45 to houston. is longer but i'll bet it's less time-wise.

[Camelot Camper]

FlyFish is RIGHT, unless you're on a scenic tour with no time or fuel constraints!

You'll cut off at least 2 to 3 hours of driving if you take I-30 into Dallas, but use I-635/LBJ Loop to go South and a little West around Dallas, which will run you into I-45 Southbound to Houston.

CC

[MonacoMama]

bg1811...
I put a shortcut to the Crossroads forum o others may also give you more info...Have fun & enjoy the coach! (How did you get that gig?)


MM

[bg1811]

Going through Dallas adds 69 miles and appears to be a good option.

[Sixpack98]

FlyFish and CC are right. I30 to I635 to I45 will avoid most of the Dallas snarl and the Woodlands is well north of Houston's horrible traffic. To answer your questions, the routes you mention are all very nice wide roads and mostly 4 lane all the way. What little 2 lane you encounter will be very wide lanes with wide shoulders and frequent passing lanes. I'm not sure you would save 2 to 3 hours via the interstates though, most of the roads you mention are 70 mph but but does reduce down through towns. The route you mention goes through the East Texas Piney woods and new visitors cannot believe there are actually trees (and forests) in Texas. I30, I635 and I45 will be mostly concrete, prairie and scrub brush, at least until you hit Huntsville. I have also been caught in huge traffic messes on I45 which turned a 5 hour trip from Dallas to Houston into a 7+ hour trip.

mark

[crudeman]

I have been down that stretch of 59 several times and the road is not bad, you will come into a few small towns but nothing that bad. This route is traveled by trucks all the time. Mostly four lane and not to bad of shape. I would come straight down 59 south to New Caney and turn right ( west) on hwy 242 and this brings you out there on I-45 and you are right there near the Woodlands area. The last time I came thru there was in July and there was construction at the intersection there of Hwy 59 and 242 ( nothing that bad) and there is a Flying J there at this intersection.

[TXiceman]

Hwy 59 through east Texas is not bad. You will go through some small towns, and you need to watch the speed limits. The local LEOs love to catch speeders.

I would take it all the way down to Hwy 242 like posted above.

To head all the way over to I-45 is a big hassel.

Ken

Ken

[Madame Boomer]

I'd LOVE to know who you're transporting to Texas!!! If it's a BIG FISH outa Nashville, heck....I might even be willing to meet you in Texarkana and lead you to the Woodlands myself!!!

Seriously......safe travels and you've got some great input to consider the best/safest route!

Sandy

[bg1811]

It would probably be unprofessional for me to name names, but, maybe you should do a little research and find out who the star act is at the Fellowship of the Woodlands on 09/12/08.

[RustyJC]

When we head to Texarkana and I-30 to go to parts northeast, we always use US59. Another vote for US59 and TX242.

Rusty

[popeye]

bg I live off of 242 10 mi from the woodlands.I would travel hwy 59 to 242, I45 at that point you are at The Woodlands.All good rd. 282 mi.If I were to guess your passanger would be Derek Webb.

[Sixpack98]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by crudeman:
I have been down that stretch of 59 several times and the road is not bad, you will come into a few small towns but nothing that bad. This route is traveled by trucks all the time. Mostly four lane and not to bad of shape. I would come straight down 59 south to New Caney and turn right ( west) on hwy 242 and this brings you out there on I-45 and you are right there near the Woodlands area. The last time I came thru there was in July and there was construction at the intersection there of Hwy 59 and 242 ( nothing that bad) and there is a Flying J there at this intersection. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Crudeman is right this is also a good option and keeps you off I45 completely. I've never been on 242 but it is a short stretch and a state highway. 59 is a major 4 lane divided highway and is a racetrack. If there is a downside to 59 it is that a lot of trucks use 59 but that route will keep you off I45.

mark