HOUSTON – Spring Break traffic congestion is a big problem in southwest Houston. Families are heading out to the Houston Zoo, Museum District and Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, causing a traffic headache. But the city of Houston is working to make Spring Break more of a fun time than a nightmare.
"It can be a real zoo during Spring Break," said Brian Hill, spokesman for the Houston Zoo. "In fact, during Spring Break 350,000 people on average a day are making their way through this corridor that includes the Houston Zoo, Museum District, Texas Medical Center and Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo."
Houston Zoo Spring Break Traffic Congestion Map
Spring Breakers are encouraged to use METRORail to avoid parking problems. The Houston Zoo will give visitors a discount to the Zoo if they use the METRORail.
"We have a command center that has access to Texas Medical Center cameras," said Hill.
The live cameras help the city as well as the other businesses and organizations in the area to keep tabs on how bad the traffic is.
"It allows us to monitor everything in real time and make changes as we need to, so ultimately people can get to their destinations as quickly as possible," said Benjamin Holloman, administrative coordinator for the City of Houston Mayor's Office.
Planning an outing to the Houston Zoo, Museum District or Rodeo Houston this week? Check out these websites to help you plan your trip and avoid traffic and parking problems: