Far West Westheimer Rd. to Museum District

[stoneclaw]

Yes, Richmond is a tad bit wider inside of the loop, although Westheimer gets incredibly wide west of 610, gradually becoming probably the widest street in the city at that point. I wouldn't want to be caught dead on Richmond or Westheimer during traffic hours though, especially Westheimer! Taking the freeway makes more sense.

Someone mentioned taking Bissonnet, but Bissonnet zig-zags too much east of 610 and that traffic in West U gets ugly, and Bissonet is pretty darn narrow in that area for all that traffic. I know you're from the small town and not used to the Freeways, but there's always the park n ride too.

[houstonfan]

The Westpark Tollway has very few merging or exiting ramps, and it's pretty congestd so you probably won't find it so intimidating, just 2 lanes.
If you don't want to pay the toll, take Westpark Dr...it's pretty slow west of Bltwy 8, but inside bltwy, it's fast and has few traffic lights. Going westbound at evening rushhour, it IS congested, however. I still think it's marginally better than Richmond.

[LindaIL]

Thanks everyone for your help. Most likely will just have to get used to taking the tollway or freeway.

[westhou]

Originally Posted by LindaIL

Thanks everyone for your help. Most likely will just have to get used to taking the tollway or freeway.

Westhiemer can be brutal during rush hour. Especially between 610 and Dairy Ashford during the evening rush hour. In the morning it's not as bad. I-10 is a mess too but at least you don't have to deal with traffic lights which there are plenty on Westheimer. Honestly I think the freeway is safer because intersections can be incredibly dangerous and there are countless stores along Westheimer with idiots darting into traffic all over the place. Also the road is pretty torn up inside the loop which can wear on your car.

As for safety concerning crime you really don't have to worry about that on Westheimer. I can't think of a single section of Westheimer that is unsafe. But I understand your concern if you're not familiar with the city.

Take the advice of the previous responses and stick to the freeway. Even in the worst of traffic you'll still have a better commute on the freeway. Especially on I10 now that it's monstrously wide.

[houstonfan]

Originally Posted by LindaIL

Thanks everyone for your help. Most likely will just have to get used to taking the tollway or freeway.

If you're intimidated by Houston drivers (well, aren't we all?) would suggest you first make the test drive during the weekend when the tollway is empty, get familiar with the lanes and exits.