TxDOT announces that State Highway 288 buyback is finalized

HOUSTON (KIAH)– The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) just announced that the termination of the State Highway 288 Comprehensive Development Agreement (CDA) is finalized. The goal of the project is to bring Texans relief on the toll road.

The TxDOT Executive Director, Marc D. Williams said, “This is an extraordinary outcome for Texans. Not only will this bring future toll relief and additional free general-purpose lanes for drivers, but the state is acquiring a $4 billion asset for $1.7 billion. This type of buy-out is unprecedented in the United States and is a very big win for SH 288 drivers and our taxpayers.”

Toll policies on the SH 288 managed toll lanes in Harris County will not change short term because of the contract required during the transition period. However, the project was transferred to state control.

TxDOT anticipates that future toll rates will be reduced and increase at a slower pace. It also anticipates that future toll revenues will be able to fund on-going and future maintenance on SH 288 with improvements like additional non-tolled lanes on a portion of the SH 288 corridor.

The state will assume operations while drivers should not expect any immediate changes regarding maintenance, operations, or billing. TxDOT will continue monitoring traffic in the lanes and plan to target a minimum of 45 mph. TxDOT will also plan to build two free general-purpose lanes along areas of SH 288 between IH-610 and Beltway 8 no later than 2030.

For more information on the project, drivers can learn more here .

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