SH 45 Toll Road Complete Guide: Austin Loop, Rates & Payment 2025
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SH 45 Toll Road Complete Guide
System: Electronic toll collection (TxTag, EZ TAG, TollTag) + Pay By Mail
Total Length: ~80 miles planned Austin loop (currently 24.3 miles operational)
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Technology: Electronic tags, License plate recognition, Cashless tolling
Operators: TxDOT (North & Southeast), CTRMA (Southwest)
Designation: Planned complete Austin bypass loop
Status: Three segments operational, missing western connections
Do I Need an Electronic Tag for SH 45? 2025 Update
No, you don't need an electronic tag to use SH 45 - but you'll save 50% on toll costs with one. The SH 45 system operates with completely automated cashless tolling across all three segments, accepting electronic tags from multiple providers or billing untagged vehicles through Pay By Mail.
Key Reality: Without an electronic tag, you'll pay 50% higher rates plus processing fees. Regular commuters using multiple SH 45 segments can save hundreds of dollars annually by using electronic tags versus Pay By Mail billing.
2025 Update: HCTRA now manages TxTag operations as of November 2024. Latest toll rates took effect January 1, 2025. The planned Austin loop remains incomplete with missing western segments still under study.
SH 45 Toll Costs: Current Rates
SH 45 operates with distance-based electronic toll collection across three operational segments with different operators and rate structures. The system provides crucial bypass routes around Austin's congested core.
Current Operational Segments (2025)
| Segment | Length | Location | Operator | Opened |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SH 45 North | 13 miles | US 183 to SH 130 | TxDOT | 2006-2007 |
| SH 45 Southeast | 7.4 miles | I-35 to SH 130 | TxDOT | 2009 |
| SH 45 Southwest | 3.6 miles | MoPac to FM 1626 | CTRMA | 2019 |
2025 Toll Rates by Segment
| Toll Location | Electronic Tag | Pay By Mail | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| SH 45 North - Main Plazas | $1.32 | $1.98 | $0.66 |
| SH 45 North - Ramps | $0.87-$1.32 | $1.31-$1.98 | $0.44-$0.66 |
| SH 45 Southeast - Plaza | $1.30 | $1.95 | $0.65 |
| SH 45 Southeast - Ramps | $0.85 | $1.28 | $0.43 |
| SH 45 Southwest - Distance-based | Variable rates | 50% higher + fees | 33% savings |
Vehicle Classification & Rates
TxDOT Segments (North & Southeast): Classified by number of axles
- 2-axle vehicles: Base rate (cars, SUVs, pickups, motorcycles)
- 3-axle vehicles: 2x base rate
- 4-axle vehicles: 3x base rate
- 5-axle vehicles: 4x base rate
- 6-axle vehicles: 5x base rate
CTRMA Segment (Southwest): 2025 rates with 2.44% annual increase
How to Pay SH 45 Tolls
All SH 45 segments operate with completely automated cashless tolling. All tolls are collected electronically at highway speeds with no cash payment options.
1. Electronic Tag Systems (50% Savings on TxDOT segments):
- TxTag (now managed by HCTRA), EZ TAG (HCTRA), TollTag (NTTA)
- K-TAG (Kansas), Pikepass (Oklahoma) - accepted on all segments
- Automatic account deduction - no stopping required
- Works on all Texas toll roads plus Kansas and Oklahoma
2. Pay By Mail (License Plate Billing):
- Camera captures license plate for untagged vehicles
- HCTRA processes billing for TxDOT segments
- CTRMA processes billing for Southwest segment
- 50% higher rates than electronic tags plus processing fees
3. Veterans Discount Program:
- Available on TxDOT segments (North & Southeast)
- Qualified veterans with specialty license plates ride free
- Southwest segment (CTRMA) has separate veteran discount program
- Automatic recognition with registered electronic tag
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types on SH 45 segments, use TollGuru toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
TxTag System Transition:
- November 2024: HCTRA assumed TxTag operations for TxDOT segments
- Unified billing system for Austin and Houston area toll roads
- Existing TxTag customers can continue using current tags
- New customers must obtain EZ TAG through HCTRA
Rate Adjustments:
- January 1, 2025: TxDOT segments adjusted for inflation
- January 1, 2025: CTRMA Southwest segment increased 2.44%
- Annual rate adjustments continue based on economic indicators
- Electronic tag users continue to save 50% on TxDOT segments
Loop Completion Status:
- Western segments still in planning phase
- SH 45 South (FM 1626 to I-35) included in CAMPO 2040 Plan
- Complete 80-mile Austin loop remains long-term goal
- Environmental and funding challenges continue for western portions
Speed Limit Updates:
- SH 45 Southwest: 70 mph speed limit assigned April 2022
- Previously operated without posted speed limit since 2019 opening
- North and Southeast segments maintain standard highway speeds
Regional Toll Information
TxDOT Central Texas Turnpike System:
- SH 45 North - 13-mile northern bypass from US 183 to SH 130
- SH 45 Southeast - 7.4-mile southeastern connector completing eastern bypass
- SH 130 Segments 1-4 - 49-mile eastern bypass alternative to I-35
- Loop 1 (MoPac) - 4-mile tolled segments connecting to SH 45 North
Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority Network:
- SH 45 Southwest - 3.6-mile CTRMA-operated segment
- 183A Toll - Northwest corridor connecting to SH 45 North
- 290 Toll - Eastern Travis County connection
- MoPac Express Lane - Variable pricing express lanes
- 183 Toll - East Austin corridor
Planned Future Connections:
- SH 45 South - FM 1626 to I-35 connector (CAMPO 2040 Plan)
- Western segments - Complete loop around Austin (long-term planning)
- Environmental studies required for Edwards Aquifer region
- Funding mechanisms under evaluation for completion
Planning Your Journey
Current Loop Configuration:
- Eastern bypass: Complete via SH 45 North → SH 130 → SH 45 Southeast
- Southern connection: SH 45 Southwest serves limited southwestern area
- Western gap: No direct connection between Southwest and Southeast segments
- Northern completion: SH 45 North connects to Loop 1 and I-35
Best Use Cases:
- I-35 bypass: Use SH 45 North → SH 130 → SH 45 Southeast for eastern bypass
- Airport access: SH 45 Southeast provides direct connection to Austin-Bergstrom
- Southwest Austin: SH 45 Southwest saves 9-17 minutes over local routes
- North Austin commuting: SH 45 North connects suburbs to employment centers
Time and Cost Savings:
- Electronic tag essential for regular users - 50% savings on TxDOT segments
- Significant time savings during peak I-35 congestion periods
- SH 45 Southwest: 9-17 minute savings over Slaughter Lane/Brodie Lane
- Airport connections: Faster access than downtown Austin routes
Route Limitations:
- Incomplete loop - no continuous circumferential route
- Western Austin not served by current segments
- Multiple toll operators require different payment systems
- Gap between Southwest and Southeast segments requires local roads
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SH 45 a complete loop around Austin?
No, SH 45 is not yet a complete loop. Currently, only three segments totaling 24.3 miles are operational. The planned 80-mile complete loop requires additional western segments that are still in planning phases due to environmental and funding challenges.
Can I drive around Austin using only SH 45?
You can use SH 45 North and Southeast segments combined with SH 130 for an eastern bypass, but there's no continuous western connection. You must use local roads between the Southwest and Southeast segments.
What happens if I don't pay SH 45 tolls?
Unpaid tolls result in escalating fees: HCTRA handles TxDOT segments, CTRMA handles Southwest segment. Both systems impose additional fees, collection actions, and potential vehicle registration blocks for non-payment.
Do veterans get discounts on all SH 45 segments?
Qualified veterans receive free tolls on TxDOT segments (North & Southeast) with specialty license plates. The Southwest segment (CTRMA) has a separate veteran discount program with different eligibility requirements.
When will SH 45 loop be completed?
No completion date has been set for the full loop. The SH 45 South segment (FM 1626 to I-35) is included in the CAMPO 2040 Plan, but western segments face environmental challenges in the Edwards Aquifer region and require additional funding mechanisms.
Which electronic tags work on all SH 45 segments?
TxTag, EZ TAG, TollTag, K-TAG, and Pikepass work on all three operational segments. HCTRA now manages TxTag operations for TxDOT segments, while CTRMA operates the Southwest segment independently.
SH 45 vs. Austin Alternatives
| Route | Length | Cost | Time Savings | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SH 45 Loop (Current) | 24.3 miles | $1.30-$1.32 per plaza | Significant vs. I-35 | Incomplete loop |
| I-35 Through Austin | ~25 miles | Free | Heavy congestion | Under construction |
| SH 130 Eastern Bypass | 91 miles total | $18.87 full length | 85 mph speed limit | Complete bypass |
| Local Roads (Southwest) | Variable | Free | 9-17 minutes slower | Congested |
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- SH 45 North - Northern segment details and connections
- SH 45 Southeast - Southeast segment and airport access
- SH 45 Southwest - CTRMA-operated southwestern segment
- Austin Toll Roads - Complete Central Texas toll road network
- SH 130 - Eastern bypass alternative with complete loop
- Loop 1 - MoPac connections to SH 45 North
Customer Service:
- HCTRA (TxDOT Segments): 281-875-3279
- CTRMA (Southwest Segment): (833) 762-8655
- Online Account Management: hctra.org (TxDOT), PayMobilityBill.com (CTRMA)
- In-Person Service: Multiple locations available
Planning Resources:
- TxDOT Austin Area: txtag.org
- CTRMA: mobilityauthority.com
- CAMPO 2040 Plan: Regional transportation planning
- Loop completion studies: Long-term planning documents
