SH 288 toll road: TxDOT lowering rates on Houston's south side

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HOUSTON - The Texas Department of Transportation is lowering toll rates on a stretch of SH 288 on Houston’s south side.

The reduced rates, which will go into effect as soon as Sept. 1, will apply to more than 10 miles of SH 288 from I-69 to the Harris-Brazoria county line.

Lower toll rates on SH 288 in Harris County

By the numbers:

According to TxDOT, average daily toll rates will be reduced by nearly half on the Harris County portion of SH 288.

The agency says reduced rates will apply most of the day, but rates will not be reduced during "some short peak times" to keep traffic flowing and maintain a minimum speed. Rates may be adjusted every half hour.

What they're saying:

"Cutting taxes for Texans is a top priority, and that includes cutting toll rates," Governor Greg Abbott said in a news release. "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 takes over operations

The backstory:

In October 2024, TxDOT announced it had completed the termination of the SH 288 Comprehensive Development Agreement and would take over operations. The agency said the intention was to reduce toll rates while still funding ongoing maintenance and to expedite future improvements along the corridor.

The Harris County Toll Road Authority will still handle toll billing and customer account management.

What they're saying:

"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 said. "This exciting update shows Texans that when we say we’re going to do something, we mean it."

TxDOT says some of the toll revue will be used for the construction of two new free, general-purpose lanes along portions of SH 288 between I-610 and Beltway 8.