Katy Tollway
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One of the unique features of the new I-10/Katy Freeway will be the Katy Tollway - the first tolling facility in the nation to operate within the right of way of an interstate highway. The new Katy Tollway will replace the single contra-flow METRO-operated High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane, located today in the center of the I-10/Katy Freeway. The Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) will operate and maintain the Katy Tollway. TxDOT's primary purpose for the I-10/Katy Freeway Reconstruction Program is to increase facility capacity and address other traffic-related problems and needs of the I-10 corridor. The facility’s design is based on the recommendations and extensive public involvement from the Katy Freeway Major Investment Study (MIS) completed in October 1997. From the MIS came the recommended locally preferred alternative (LPA) to provide two special use lanes in both directions between I-610 and SH-6 and the addition of one general purpose lane in each direction between I-610 and Katy with auxiliary lanes to provide lane balance at major interchanges. The alternative was selected as the most viable alternative to add capacity, bring the existing freeway up to current TxDOT and FHWA standards and provide a sound mitigation strategy that allowed for the management of congestion that supported projected population growth and travel demands along the I-10 corridor. After completing the MIS, TxDOT prepared the I-10/Katy Freeway Environmental Impact Study (EIS) which was submitted to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and received a Record of Decision (ROD) on the reconstruction of the Katy Freeway in March, 2001. Around that same time, the Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) proposed to assume responsibility for the four special use lanes and to construct them as toll lanes. The proposal to operate toll lanes and finance the tollway portion of the Katy Freeway reconstruction allowed the project to be and unlocked highway funding formerly designated for the Katy Freeway for use on other projects in the region. U. S. Congressman John Culberson spearheaded an effort to obtain a pledge of support and assistance in securing funds for the project from the Texas Highway Commission and fellow Congressional leaders. As a result of these efforts, the Tri-Party Agreement by Harris County representing HCTRA, TxDOT and FHWA was signed March 14, 2003. The Katy Tollway begins west of SH-6 and ends at the I-10/I-610 interchange. Located in the center portion of the I-10/Katy Freeway, the Tollway will consist of two express lanes in each direction operating 7 days a week, 24 hours a day (24/7). The Tollway lanes will be separated from the I-10 general purpose lanes by 12-foot shoulders and flex-post traffic barriers. Between SH-6 and I-610, this EZ-Tag only facility will have three toll enforcement zones located:
Easy access will be provided:
3+ passenger vehicles will be allowed to use the Katy Tollway free-of-charge when traveling during peak periods in peak direction. METRO buses may utilize the facility free 24/7. Single occupancy and 2+ passenger vehicles will now have the option of utilizing the Katy Tollway for a fee. In an effort to maintain a Level of Service “C” (46+ MPH) or better on the Katy Tollway, toll rates may be required to vary depending on traffic demand. At each of the entrances to the Katy Tollway, dynamic message boards will be used to indicate the cost to use the facility at that time. At each tolling locations, a special third lane will be used by 3+ passenger vehicles during peak periods. Enforcement and incident management will be handled by dedicated communications systems. Eastbound: 6:00 AM – 11:00 AM 7-days per week
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