Nearly a year after buying back the State Highway 288 toll lanes, the Texas Department of Transportation has announced major changes—starting with a cut in toll prices of nearly half.
Just over a year ago, TxDOT purchased the 288 toll lanes south of Houston for $1.7 billion. The highway, previously operated by Blueridge Transportation Group under a decades-long contract, had been managed privately, with the group holding the rights to operate and collect toll revenue for at least 50 years.
Now, nearly 10 months after the acquisition, TxDOT has announced it will significantly reduce toll rates on SH 288—some by nearly 50 percent—starting September 1. Most of the day will see lower costs for drivers, though the department noted that peak hours such as during the morning and evening rush will retain higher toll rates to help manage traffic flow and prevent congestion on the limited-access roadway.
The price cuts are part of a broader plan to improve travel on the corridor. TxDOT also announced that a portion of toll revenue will be used to add two new free lanes—one northbound and one southbound—on the stretch between Beltway 8 and I-610. This addition is intended to improve capacity and reduce reliance on toll-only travel through one of Houston’s most congested routes.
According to the agency, tolls will continue to be dynamic, determined by time of day, day of the week, and number of axles, and will be adjusted every 30 minutes in response to real-time traffic patterns.
Gov. Greg Abbott noted, “Cutting taxes for Texans is a top priority, and that includes cutting toll rates. By lowering toll rates and adding free lanes along SH 288, we will achieve that goal while also easing roadway congestion.”
