New SH 130 and SH 45 Southeast Truck-Routing Pilot Begins in Central Texas, Offering Alternative to I-35 Construction Traffic
Drivers traveling through Central Texas may notice changes in truck traffic along portions of SH 130 and SH 45 Southeast following the launch of a new state transportation pilot program aimed at providing another route for certain large commercial vehicles.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) launched the Oversize/Overweight Pilot Program on November 12, 2026, allowing eligible trucks operating under qualifying state permits to travel on designated sections of SH 130 and SH 45 Southeast east of Interstate 35.
The program is intended to give certain oversized and overweight commercial vehicles an alternative to the I-35 corridor, where ongoing construction and heavy traffic can complicate travel through the Austin region.
For Central Texas residents, the development is worth watching because freight movement is one of several factors affecting traffic patterns along major highways. However, transportation officials have not yet established whether the pilot will produce measurable improvements in congestion or travel times.
Why Texas Is Testing a New Route for Oversized Trucks
Interstate 35 is one of Central Texas' most heavily traveled transportation corridors, serving commuters, local businesses and commercial vehicles moving goods through the region.
With major I-35 improvement projects underway, the challenge of keeping traffic moving while construction continues has become an important part of regional transportation planning.
The new pilot is designed to address one part of that challenge by allowing certain vehicles carrying oversized or unusually heavy loads to use an alternate toll-road corridor.
SH 130 runs east of much of the Austin metropolitan area, providing a north-south route through communities including Georgetown and areas southeast of Austin. SH 45 Southeast connects portions of the toll-road network south and east of the city.
By authorizing qualifying vehicles to use these routes, TxDOT hopes to offer freight operators an additional option for avoiding construction-related delays on I-35.
The change does not require all commercial trucks to leave I-35. It applies specifically to vehicles operating under qualifying oversize or overweight permits.
The distinction matters for residents because the pilot is a targeted transportation measure rather than a broad restriction on truck traffic through Austin.
Which Trucks Are Allowed to Use SH 130 and SH 45 Southeast?
The program covers eligible oversize and overweight vehicles traveling under state permits and meeting specific size and weight restrictions.
According to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, participating vehicles and loads cannot exceed 16 feet in width or 16 feet in height.
The maximum permitted gross weight is 254,300 pounds, with a lower limit of 200,000 pounds when axle spacing is less than 95 feet.
These restrictions are intended to determine which loads can be considered for the pilot route. A vehicle meeting the size limits is not automatically authorized to travel anywhere along the toll roads.
The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles reviews applicable permit requests, while TxDOT establishes the roadway access restrictions.
For single-trip routed permits, motor carriers must request access using the Notes feature in the state's Texas Permitting & Routing Optimization System.
Time-based permit holders may also participate subject to applicable permit requirements and roadway restrictions.
Commercial carriers remain responsible for paying tolls incurred while traveling on the approved routes.
Where Can Participating Trucks Enter and Exit the Toll Roads?
Access is restricted to designated entrance and exit points, rather than every interchange along SH 130 and SH 45 Southeast.
The state has identified approved connections involving I-35 in Georgetown, U.S. 183 near Buda and Mustang Ridge, SH 21, SH 142, SH 80, the SH 45 Southeast connection and I-10.
Not every ramp or connector is included. TxDOT specifically restricts certain ramps and direct connectors, including connections involving SH 45 North, U.S. 290 and SH 71.
Participating drivers must follow the route authorized under their permits.
Motor carriers can review the specific access points, restrictions and official corridor map on TxDOT's Oversize/Overweight Pilot Program webpage.
For residents who regularly travel on SH 130 or SH 45 Southeast, the program means certain types of large permitted loads may now be using sections of these highways where they were previously restricted.
Carriers must also follow permit-specific curfews. TxDOT lists weekday travel restrictions from 7–9 a.m. and 4–6 p.m. for affected oversize loads. Toll treatment varies by segment: permitted oversize/overweight vehicles on SH 130 Segments 5 and 6 use Class F rates, which are higher than standard commercial-truck rates. The approved permit and official corridor guidance govern each trip.
Will the Pilot Reduce I-35 Traffic in Austin?
TxDOT has identified improved mobility and an alternative to I-35 construction traffic as the goals of the program.
Whether those goals are achieved will depend on how many eligible carriers use the route, how traffic patterns change and what transportation officials learn during the evaluation period.
The department plans to evaluate the pilot after six months and continue monitoring traffic impacts before deciding whether to extend or modify the program.
At this stage, there is no verified reduction in congestion or travel time attributable to the change.
That makes the coming months important for both freight operators and ordinary drivers using the regional highway network.
The state's approach provides an opportunity to study how allowing more specialized commercial traffic onto the toll-road system may affect transportation conditions.
What Central Texas Drivers Should Know
The pilot began November 12, 2026, and applies to qualifying permitted commercial vehicles rather than ordinary passenger vehicles.
Existing toll-road operations remain in place, and participating truck operators must pay applicable toll charges.
Residents can review the official requirements through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles and follow future updates from TxDOT as the state evaluates the program.
For communities along SH 130, SH 45 Southeast and I-35, the pilot is another piece of the region's ongoing effort to manage transportation demands while Central Texas continues to grow.
The longer-term question is whether the additional route will help move freight more efficiently without creating significant new challenges for drivers using the toll roads.
Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for updates on the pilot program, I-35 construction and transportation improvements affecting Austin and surrounding Central Texas communities.
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.
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