TxDOT will cut most Highway 288 toll rates for Harris County drivers starting September 1, 2025.
HOUSTON — The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will lower toll rates on the SH 288 managed lanes in Houston starting on September 1, 2025, delivering on a promise to provide toll relief for area drivers.
The average daily toll rates will be lowered by almost half on the Harris County portion of SH 288. The decrease will be in effect most of the day. Rates during some short peak times will stay the same to keep a minimum speed and traffic flow in the managed lanes.
“Cutting taxes for Texans is a top priority, and that includes cutting toll rates,” Governor Greg 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 took over operations of SH 288 in October 2024. The move was aimed at reducing toll rates, maintaining the roadway, and speeding up future improvements. The agency is also restoring a $1.7 billion payment to the state highway fund to avoid delays in other statewide infrastructure projects.
“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,” said Texas Transportation Commission Chair J. Bruce Bugg Jr.
“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,” Texas Transportation Commissioner Steven Alvis added. “This exciting update shows Texans that when we say we’re going to do something, we mean it.”
A portion of the toll revenue will help fund the construction of two new, free general-purpose lanes—one in each direction—along SH 288 between I-610 and Beltway 8.
While TxDOT sets toll rates, billing and customer account services will remain under the Harris County Toll Road Authority.
The TxDOT-managed portion of SH 288 includes more than 10 miles of toll lanes from I-69 to the Harris-Brazoria County line.
Rates are based on several factors, including the day of the week, time of day and number of vehicle axles.
Tolls may change every 30 minutes to help maintain traffic flow in the managed lanes.
For more information, visit txdot.gov