Texas 288 Tollway: Big Public-Private Partnership Plans

A public-private partnership to build a large tollway south of Houston has taken important first steps. Construction will commence later this year.

1 minute read

March 8, 2016, 12:00 PM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


"A tollway down the center of Texas 288 will start to take shape later this year," reports Dug Begley, "now that state transportation officials have finalized agreement [sic] with the private firm planning the road."

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) reached the deal with Blueridge Transportation Group on the $815 million public-private partnership.

According to Begley, "[t]he project covers a 10.3-mile stretch from U.S. 59 to the Harris County line, including direct ramps to the Texas Medical Center and a new interchange with the Sam Houston Tollway." Begley includes more details about the current project as well as the potential for this project to lead into a $2.1 billion, 52-year project to build a private tollway along the public right of way.

Monday, March 7, 2016 in Houston Chronicle

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

June 11, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Metrorail train pulling into newly opened subterranean station in Washington, D.C. with crowd on platform taking photos.

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”

The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

June 2, 2025 - The Hill

Large crowd on street in San Francisco, California during Oktoberfest festival.

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns

In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

June 2, 2025 - Robbie Silver

Street scene in Kathmandu, Nepal with yellow minibuses and other traffic.

The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs

Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.

1 hour ago - Fast Company

Bike lane in Washington D.C. protected by low concrete barriers.

DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint

Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.

3 hours ago - The Washington Post

Bird's eye view of studio apartment design.

In These Cities, Most New Housing is Under 441 Square Feet

With loosened restrictions on “micro-housing,” tiny units now make up as much as 66% of newly constructed housing.

5 hours ago - Smart Cities Dive