Question: How do the Houston Freeways Work?
Getting around Houston can be a little intimidating at first. The Texas Department of Transportation developed several names for each of Houston's unique freeways. Below is a guideline for Houston's freeway nickname system so that you can rule the road.
Answer: 610 Loop
Loop 610 encircles Houston and can be called North Loop, South Loop, East Loop, West Loop, North Loop West and West Loop South (by the Galleria).
Beltway 8
Beltway 8 also encircles Houston with a larger loop. A portion of the loop is called the Sam Houston Tollway, in which an EZ Tag may be obtained for speedy travel.
I-10 East
Also known as the East Freeway
I-10 West
Also known as the Katy Freeway
I-45 North
Also known as the North Freeway
I-45 South
Also known as the Gulf Freeway
I-45 through Downtown
Pierce Elevated
U.S. 290
Northwest Freeway
Texas 225
La Porte Freeway
U.S. 59 North
Eastex Freeway
U.S. 59 South
Southwest Freeway/Highway 59
Texas 288
South Freeway/The Nolan Ryan Expressway