South Houston and Pearland residents are frequent users of Beltway 8. However, heavy traffic is being caused by the current state of the Highway 288 exits to and from the south Beltway.

In order to drive to or from the Beltway and Highway 288, drivers must first exit to a frontage road with a stoplight. During rush hour, the traffic at these stoplights backs up, sometimes up to half a mile. Drivers on Highway 288 must stop because cars are attempting to exit the highway to the frontage road, which is unsafe.

All the drivers – those heading north or south on 288 and those attempting to access the Beltway - are extremely frustrated with this unnecessary delay. Connecting Highway 288 to the Beltway would alleviate traffic congestion in this area.

Additionally, cars on the Beltway are often unable to exit the Beltway because the traffic on the frontage road is so heavy. Drivers must stop on the tollway, creating a very dangerous situation.

The only remedy for the residents is to find alternative routes around the problem area. This costs the residents extra time and costs HCTRA revenue from the loss of tolls.

If Highway 288 and the Beltway were connected, drivers would experience less traffic congestion and have a safer commute, and HCTRA would gain additional revenue.

The north Beltway and Highway 59 residents previously experienced these same issues and once the two roads were connected, there were positive results.

Please take into consideration the residents of the area that have needed this change for several years and connect Highway 288 to south Beltway 8 for both north- and southbound traffic.