Houston drivers paid nearly $1 billion in tolls in 2025, but many remain frustrated by persistent congestion on HCTRA-operated roads like Beltway 8, prompting some to seek alternate routes.

Crowded holiday roads? EZ TAG from the Harris County Toll Road Authority can save time and headaches. Jerome Gray joined Houston Life to explain how the cashless pass works - and why it’s a smart gift for commuters and road-trippers

Jerome Gray, the deputy director of communications for the Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA), recently stopped by Houston Life to chat about the EZ Tag program, common toll road misconceptions and what’s ahead for Houston drivers.

Heads up, Houston! 🚧 Night closures on North Sam Houston Tollway start Memorial Day through May 28.

Catch up with former Houston news anchor Jerome Gray. He recently joined his former co-anchor at the news desk to spread the word about the Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA), its EZ TAG program and how they are helping improve mobility around the region.

On Tuesday, the National Transportation Safety Board released a detailed report on the collapse of the Francis Scott Key bridge in Baltimore caused by a collision with a ship.

The Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) is alerting customers to be cautious amid a rise in toll text scams sweeping the nation.

A Precinct 5 constable deputy got an unexpected passenger when a stray cat crawled up inside his patrol car on the Westpark Toll Road and if no owner is identified, he plans to give it a forever home!

Drivers in Houston are being warned about a scam involving fraudulent text messages that claim to be from toll agencies. The messages urge recipients to make immediate payments for supposed toll violations, but officials confirm these texts are fake and an attempt to steal personal and financial information.

Sebrina Kilgore knows the sound that Houston drivers dread all too well, “Ping, ping, ping, ping, ping,” it’s the sound of rocks hitting your vehicle.

Houston drivers demand action as construction causes widespread damage

Investigators are looking for a driver after a motorcyclist was killed Tuesday morning, causing heavy traffic along the highway.

The Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) has taken over collections for TxTag users.

After nearly six months of construction, the Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) says drivers in east Harris County now will have an easier commute with this latest expansion.

The Harris County Toll Road Authority and Texas Department of Public Safety are increasing highway patrols in Houston.

As power restoration efforts continue, segments of Hardy Toll Road will be closed starting Friday, July 12 at 11 a.m.

The proposed Hardy Toll Road Extension Project received another round of thumb’s up from Harris County leaders.

Update to toll lanes that remain closed along the Beltway. This is a follow to KPRC 2 Investigates 2022 report.

Update to toll lanes that remain closed along the Beltway. This is a follow to KPRC 2 Investigates 2022 report.

The Houston area is currently experiencing freezing temperatures, which is prompting several closures across the city on Monday and into Tuesday.

Double billing, rejected automatic payments and expensive late fees are the most frequent complaints about a toll system with different operators and rules across the state.

When is the work on SH-249 and SH-99 going to be done?

Question: Roger Chapman’s question is, “Why is there NO exit from Beltway 8, to connect with SH-225 in Pasadena?”

The only thing more annoying than getting bills in the mail is getting a bill that you don’t owe. A Texas City woman contacted KPRC 2 Investigates team after she received toll road fines for a vehicle she doesn’t even own.

Can you imagine hiking or biking for 31 uninterrupted trail miles, with no vehicular traffic? Well, Harris County, along with the Harris County Toll Road Authority, is introducing the Destination Trail: a 31-mile proposed hike and bike trail within Harris County featuring countless historic and culturally significant sites and connecting the cities of Houston, South Houston, and Webster.

With inflation hitting a 40-year high and soaring gas prices, the pain consumers are feeling is palpable.

Question: When are they getting rid of the cash only booths on the toll?

In January, deputy constables cited 1,363 drivers related to fraudulent paper license plate tags.

Here are things to know for Friday, Jan. 21:

Harris County Toll Road Authority and TxDOT crews were sent out Thursday to prep Houston-area roads due to potential ice and winter storm warning.

The Harris County Toll Road Authority has been working on the Tomball Tollway for years, and most recently crews have been building out the direct connector ramps from the Tomball Tollway.

Question: What is the Harris County Toll Road Authority going to do with the cash-only toll booths?

Police said they are investigating a deadly crash involving a motorcycle on the Southwest Freeway Sunday.

The Lynchburg Ferry remains closed after Tropical Storm Nicholas.

The Harris County Toll Road Authority’s Wrong Way Detection System was not activated when a suspected drunk driver entered the Westpark Tollway Wednesday causing a fatal crash.

HOUSTON – Got a toll violation in the mail, even though you have an EZ tag? For EZ TAG customers:There are a few reasons customers may get violations, which can be readily easily resolved. A common reason customers get bills for unpaid tolls is because the customer’s new license plate number was not added to their EZ TAG account. For cash customers/drivers without an EZ TAG account:As of March 11, 2020, the Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) implemented “hands-free” toll collection to reduce potential exposure of both drivers and employees to COVID -19. HCTRA encourages EZ TAG customers to manage their prefunded account 24/7 on hctra.org or download the mobile app.

HOUSTON – The Harris County Toll Road Authority agreed to rename a portion of Beltway 8 after Deputy Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal, who died in the line of duty on Sept. 27, 2019. According to a news release from the Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia, Beltway 8 in northwest Harris County near Highway 249 will be named after the deputy who was killed in the line of duty last year. County and federal officials, including Garica and Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzales, were joined by Deputy Dhaliwal’s family and members of the Sikh community for the ceremony. Every day, he helped so many people.”Dhaliwal was a beloved deputy and member of the community. He was also the first Sikh to be allowed to wear traditional attire while in uniform as a sheriff’s deputy.

HOUSTON – Drivers are advised to plan their commutes ahead of time as several roads are expected to close this week for construction. There will be a closure on the south Sam Houston Tollway that will affect to and from Highway 288, according to the Harris County Toll Road Authority. The closures will affect the following ramps:Two eastbound left lanes between 288 exit ramp and the eastbound 288 entrance rampThe Kirby entrance ramp will also be closedThe closure will begin Monday at 10 p.m. to Wednesday at 5 a.m. Drivers are encouraged to take all possible reroutes.

HOUSTON – The Harris County Toll Road Authority has refunded a man more than $100 worth of toll road overcharges after road sensors docked him for more axels than he actually had. His problem was solved after KPRC 2 News contacted the Harris County Toll Road Authority on his behalf. The Toll Road Authority said it strives to handle customer services issues more quickly than it did in Whittington’s case. “During the administrative hearing process, a judge will listen to arguments presented by the Toll Road Authority and by the toll violator and issue an order of judgment. Click here for more information on violations from the Fort Bend County Toll Road Authority.