Rush hour, going into town? (Houston, Sugar Land: live, airport, suburbs)

[saku39]

I've lived in Houston before years ago, and I know how bad traffic is going out to the suburbs. But what about going in?

More specifically, what's rush hour like coming in from Hobby airport area to the Galleria, say from 4pm to 6pm?

Is it nearly as bad as my routine 610 to Sugar Land experience from a few years back?

Anybody have any idea? Thanks

[Oildog]

Houston traffic news, maps and road conditions | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle

[travelguy_73]

I wouldn't really call that a reverse commute, as you are going into such a populated area, that it is basically a second downtown (like the med center).

I can think of a couple of bottlenecks if you take 610 westbound around from 45 to the Galleria: 610 at 288 (which may or may not be a big deal depending on time of day) and the mother of all parking lots: the west loop. From my office I can see all the way down the west loop to Meyerland, and it's usually a parking lot going both directions from 59 to the S Post Oak exit.

If you take 45 into town, and then 59 out, you will have it worse: traffic at the 45/288/59 interchange, and then traffic on 59 all the way out.

ETA: In the morning, going from the Galleria to Hobby area shouldn't be bad. But the evening commute will more than make up for it.

[houstonfan]

610 W loop is a parking lot pretty much 4-7pm. If there is any other time to travel, do yourself a favor and take it.

[saku39]

Originally Posted by Oildog

Houston traffic news, maps and road conditions | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle

Thank you, sir.

Originally Posted by travelguy_73

I wouldn't really call that a reverse commute, as you are going into such a populated area, that it is basically a second downtown (like the med center).

I can think of a couple of bottlenecks if you take 610 westbound around from 45 to the Galleria: 610 at 288 (which may or may not be a big deal depending on time of day) and the mother of all parking lots: the west loop. From my office I can see all the way down the west loop to Meyerland, and it's usually a parking lot going both directions from 59 to the S Post Oak exit.

If you take 45 into town, and then 59 out, you will have it worse: traffic at the 45/288/59 interchange, and then traffic on 59 all the way out.

ETA: In the morning, going from the Galleria to Hobby area shouldn't be bad. But the evening commute will more than make up for it.

I was originally thinking 45 to 59 to the Galleria, but I forgot 59 going out was always bad.

Thank you for the information.

Originally Posted by houstonfan

610 W loop is a parking lot pretty much 4-7pm. If there is any other time to travel, do yourself a favor and take it.

Yeah, looks like I might need to change a few things. Thanks for your help.