Montgomery County SH-249 Tollway Rates to Increase January 1, 2026
Drivers traveling the SH-249 Tollway in Montgomery County will soon pay more at the toll booths. The Montgomery County Toll Road Authority (MCTRA) has announced that new toll rates will take effect at 12:01 a.m. on January 1, 2026, reflecting modest increases across all vehicle classes.
The SH-249 Tollway, also known as “The Aggie Expressway,” is a key north-south corridor for regional commuters and travelers in Southeast Texas. The tollway stretches approximately 7 miles total, from Spring Creek to just past Woodtrace Boulevard, and was first opened to drivers on March 26, 2020. According to MCTRA, about 65% of the transactions on this road come from out-of-county commuters, yet all toll revenue remains in Montgomery County—helping fund maintenance, local mobility improvements, and debt service on the tollway.
What’s Changing in 2026?
The 2026 toll rate adjustments apply to both southbound and northbound travel and reflect increases for vehicles ranging from 2 to 6 axles. The Decker Plaza Mainlane pass-through toll (with a valid tag) for a standard two-axle vehicle will rise from $1.54 to $1.57. Non-tag drivers will pay $1.82, up from $1.79. Similar incremental increases apply across all axle counts and toll points, including entrance and exit ramps at Hardin Store Road.
For example:
- A 3-axle vehicle using a valid toll tag will pay $3.14, up from $3.07.
- A 6-axle vehicle without a tag will pay $8.10, up from $7.93.
The full rate schedule for 2025 can be found here and the schedule for 2026 can be found here. A map of the Montgomery County Toll Road Authority-managed portion can be found here.
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Payment Options for Drivers
The SH-249 Tollway is an all-electronic toll road, meaning there are no cash booths. Drivers must use a toll tag or pay via video tolling. MCTRA accepts:
- EZ TAG (Houston TranStar / HCTRA)
- TxTag (Texas Department of Transportation)
- TollTag (North Texas Tollway Authority)
- K-TAG (Kansas Turnpike Authority)
- PikePass (Oklahoma Turnpike Authority)
- BancPass (reloadable cash option)
These interoperable systems make the tollway accessible to a wide range of regional and out-of-state drivers.
Local Impact of the SH-249 Tollway
Beyond daily convenience, the SH-249 Tollway plays a critical role in Montgomery County’s infrastructure planning. The tollway was initially projected to be completed by 2043—but through MCTRA’s funding mechanisms, it opened nearly two decades ahead of schedule. This acceleration was possible because of local toll revenue.
Through an Interlocal Agreement, the Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) provides toll account management, customer service, and operational support for the Montgomery County Toll Road Authority (MCTRA). While MCTRA owns and operates the SH-249 Tollway within Montgomery County, HCTRA's system integration allows for seamless toll processing, EZ TAG interoperability, and a unified customer experience across neighboring toll roads.
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MCTRA emphasizes that all toll income from SH-249 remains in Montgomery County. These funds directly support:
- Road construction and maintenance
- Improved regional mobility
- Faster project completion timelines
As traffic volumes increase and regional growth continues, these incremental toll rate adjustments help sustain the long-term viability of the tollway.
Whether you’re a daily commuter or an occasional traveler on SH-249, knowing these upcoming toll changes can help you better plan your route—and your budget—as we head into the new year.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
