Best route through Houston.

[nightmare69]

Wife and I are headed to Galveston on Black Friday to get on a cruise. I've heard I-45 bridge is still being repaired and will be closed to traffic. What is the best way to get around Houston coming from HWY 59? I don't mind taking tolls just as long as it's doesn't cost $30 like it did when I went around Austin.

[philip964]

Black Friday - pretty laid back day in Houston.

59 to I 45 to Galveston. Pretty simple. Problem tends to be at the cruise terminal with all the passengers showing up all at the same time. Traffic on the road to the terminal backed up almost to I 45, last time I dropped some one off. I remember thinking if I just went to the Strand the normal way I could have saved some time. But I wasn't parking, just dropping off.

Parking at malls can occasionally back out on to freeways that day causing problems.

I'd still avoid driving in Houston during rush hours despite it still being a holiday for most.

Have fun.

[Mxrdad]

+1

[nightmare69]

Black Friday - pretty laid back day in Houston.

59 to I 45 to Galveston. Pretty simple. Problem tends to be at the cruise terminal with all the passengers showing up all at the same time. Traffic on the road to the terminal backed up almost to I 45, last time I dropped some one off. I remember thinking if I just went to the Strand the normal way I could have saved some time. But I wasn't parking, just dropping off.

Parking at malls can occasionally back out on to freeways that day causing problems.

I'd still avoid driving in Houston during rush hours despite it still being a holiday for most.

Have fun.

We are going to Galveston the day before. The issue with Houston is the I-45 will be closed due to bridge repairs(so I've heard) forcing us to find an alternative route.

[Mxrdad]

What bridge? Are you talking about the one right before Galveston? If so, that will be a pretty big alternate route. But, if your not in a hurry, you could go to Winnie, then to Crystal Beach and ride the Fairy into Galveston.

[philip964]

Black Friday - pretty laid back day in Houston.

59 to I 45 to Galveston. Pretty simple. Problem tends to be at the cruise terminal with all the passengers showing up all at the same time. Traffic on the road to the terminal backed up almost to I 45, last time I dropped some one off. I remember thinking if I just went to the Strand the normal way I could have saved some time. But I wasn't parking, just dropping off.

Parking at malls can occasionally back out on to freeways that day causing problems.

I'd still avoid driving in Houston during rush hours despite it still being a holiday for most.

Have fun.

We are going to Galveston the day before. The issue with Houston is the I-45 will be closed due to bridge repairs(so I've heard) forcing us to find an alternative route.

There's an alternate route to Galveston other than I 45?

Wow!

[howdy]

OK, this is how I see it. I live in Houston and have checked with our road closures and it looks like 2 bridges will be closed. One is on I-45 in the downtown area where I-45 crosses Buffalo Bayou (Dallas Street Bridge). The other is on 610 East where it crosses the ship channel (Buffalo Bayou).
I would stay on I 59 South through Downtown Houston and intercept I 45 South. That should keep you south of both closures.
See Houston map here https://www.google.com/maps/@29.8424112 ... 0971,11.5z. Expand it out to see the detail.

Also, when you get to Galveston, (look at same map) everyone takes the Harborside Rd/ Hwy 275 exit just after crossing the over the causeway bridge to go to the Cruise terminal. Don't do that. Continue on down I 45 south. The freeway will turn into a 4 lane divided city type street called Broadway. Turn left on 28th street, go to Santa Fe Pl and go right and park at EZ Cruise Parking. (I am not affiliated) Make an online reservation http://ezcruiseparking.com/ They are the same price as the other lots and they have shuttle service. There are other lots but most are book up. You will avoid the traffic if you do this.

I would get there early. I take it that you are departing on the Carnival Liberty on the 26th? I know Carnival will let you board around 11 am. Go on board and have a nice lunch. You paid for it. It will be a mad house at 2pm.

[nightmare69]

What bridge? Are you talking about the one right before Galveston? If so, that will be a pretty big alternate route. But, if your not in a hurry, you could go to Winnie, then to Crystal Beach and ride the Fairy into Galveston.

https://www.google.com/amp/www.khou.com ... /347334202

A truck tractor with a tall load got stuck under the bridge.

I was told to take 610 East around to I-45 to avoid the detour downtown. This the best route?

[brhalltx]

It all depends on the day, the time, and the accidents. Beltway 8 might be less stressful.

Houston Transtar Traffic Map is your friend:

http://traffic.houstontranstar.org

You can look at historical data there and on Google maps.

[Wag2323]

I live north of Houston and anytime I have to fly out of Hobby the best route usually turns out to be going around the east side of 610. Howdy pointed out there is going to be construction on 610 east also so I don't know how that will affect the route but is more lanes and less people than going through downtown.

[lildave40]

Black Friday traffic is usually light. 59 south to 45 south you should be fine if you get past the bay area exit before 10. Anytime after that traffic begins to build. Alternate routes are hwy 3 but alot of lights and 146. but 146 may be a tad out of route for you.

[nightmare69]

Thanks for all the suggestions.

[Mxrdad]

Take Howdys advice. If the ship channel bridge is closed, dont take 610 East. Based on this, I would strongly advise taking Beltway 8 East (Sam Houston Parkway). Stay on Beltway 8 until you see 45 south. This will ensure you bypass all the bridges. It is a toll road so if you have a tag, your golden. This is by far the best route since the bridges will be closed.

[doncb]

What bridge? Are you talking about the one right before Galveston? If so, that will be a pretty big alternate route. But, if your not in a hurry, you could go to Winnie, then to Crystal Beach and ride the Fairy into Galveston.

But, if your not in a hurry, you could go to Winnie, then to Crystal Beach and ride the Ferry into Galveston. << fixed it for you.
Sorry, I couldn't resist.