Community Forums

powerboatr · 01-02-2014, 08:42 PM

haven't been through Houston in a bit but we are headed south on 45 on our way to Galveston,
is 45 through the heart of Houston a good route on a weekend
or should we go around on the loop 610
thanks

lx22 · 01-02-2014, 08:59 PM

Heading south shouldn't be a problem unless you are talking rush hour, then every where is a problem. You will be fine once through downtown then next slow down will be right past bw8 then home free. Watch your speed south of clear lake though.

Statgeek · 01-02-2014, 08:59 PM

I live in League City, between Houston and Galveston. I avoid driving through Houston on 45 like the plague--even on weekends. I much prefer the "beltway" (Rt 8) which is a toll-charge outer loop around the city. If you want to save the toll fees then there is another loop called 610. 610 can be very busy even on weekends though so try to hit the city early morning if you can.

Houston is a huge city. Lots of drivers, but at the last census count, only two of them use turn signals. I won't be driving when you are heading through so your chances of finding the other guy are slim.

powerboatr · 01-02-2014, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Statgeek

I live in League City, between Houston and Galveston. I avoid driving through Houston on 45 like the plague--even on weekends. I much prefer the "beltway" (Rt 8) which is a toll-charge outer loop around the city. If you want to save the toll fees then there is another loop called 610. 610 can be very busy even on weekends though so try to hit the city early morning if you can.

Houston is a huge city. Lots of drivers, but at the last census count, only two of them use turn signals. I won't be driving when you are heading through so your chances of finding the other guy are slim.

thanks yep i use my signals
i saw both loops and was thinking if it not early on a sunday, we may be better off goign around
have to get to the island for restaurant week 12-25 january
hopefully we can get some good grub (fresh seafood)
I have to look at the toll road and see if its covered under my "pay no tolls" with disabled veteran plates, I think the houston area tolls are not included...but i could get lucky

spinn · 01-03-2014, 12:08 AM

+1 on using the Beltway 8 loop. 45 is always busy and has some crazy lane changes between hwy 10 and downtown.

Wayne M · 01-03-2014, 08:50 AM

I have the DV plates but I had to have an EZ Tag sticker (sensor). When I travel I do not get billed or charged for usage. Go to the EZ Tag web site. It may be that you can register for one on-line, otherwise you have to stop at an EZ TAG store.

As for I-45. It is no different than any other city. I have traveled it many times and some of those have been in a 40 foot with TOAD. I never had a problem. There is one thing about traveling the Interstates through Houston. On a day of just congested traffic it will increase your travel time by 15 minutes. If there is an accident, then it will depend on the injuries and amount of vehicles and the delay can be considerably more. The same hold true for Beltway 8 and I-610 Loop.

If you are coming through on a Sunday, traffic will be minimal just about anytime of day. It is considerably longer in distance using the loops.

Personally I'd stay on I-45. Your congestion areas, if any, will be the following interchanges: I-45/Beltway 8 North; I-45/I-610 Loop North; I-45/I-10; I-45/Hwy 288 downtown Houston; I-45/I-610 Loop South; I-45/Beltway 8 South.

There is some construction on I-45S of the Beltway but 3 lanes are open. Stay in the second lane from the left and you will avoid all the barriers that act as rubber magnets.

With all those Interchanges, and if there is no major accident, your drive time with congestion will only be 15 minutes longer than if there were not traffic at all. Pay attention to the overhead signs as there are left and right exits at the exchanges in some places.

Where are you coming from. There may be a more scenic alternate route.

Yesterday I took my Son and family to George Bush Intercontinental Airport. The toll road is complete (Beltway 8) but an EZ Tag is a requirement. It is 53 miles. In the car, 70 mph, it was 1 hour from Texas City. That is the fastest I have ever made it and it was because of the new completed section of Beltway 8E. If you do decide on the BW-8 use the East side and not the West side. East is a lot easier and not as far as taking the West side beltway.

TXiceman · 01-03-2014, 12:29 PM

On the weekend, take I-45 straight through. You can check for road closures at Houston Trans Star.

ken

RustyJC · 01-03-2014, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne M

Yesterday I took my Son and family to George Bush Intercontinental Airport. The toll road is complete (Beltway 8) but an EZ Tag is a requirement. It is 53 miles. In the car, 70 mph, it was 1 hour from Texas City. That is the fastest I have ever made it and it was because of the new completed section of Beltway 8E. If you do decide on the BW-8 use the East side and not the West side. East is a lot easier and not as far as taking the West side beltway.

FYI, Beltway 8 in many sections is the service (access) road, with intersections, traffic lights, etc. The actual toll road is the Sam Houston Tollway. It matters because you'll see signage for both, so by being informed you can pick the one you want.

I'd probably go I-45 straight through as well on a weekend (especially a Sunday), but watch the lane assignments or you may find yourself exiting I-45 when you don't intend to do so.

Rusty