Beltway 8 / Sam Houston Tollway Stacks and Other Interesting Features

Beltway 8 has an outstanding collection of modern 4 and 5 level stacks - possibly the best in the country. The only competitor for that honor is the Century Freeway in Los Angeles. Beltway 8 is unique in that the feeder roads for both BW8 and intersecting freeways proceed underneath all the stacks, either at grade or one level below grade. The order of stacking is (from the lowest upward): feeders, intersecting freeway, BW8, direct connectors, direct connectors.

It should be noted that although there are four complete 5-level stacks and one under construction, the ramps typically do not intersect over a single point. This means that level 5, for example, may cross the level 4 ramps and a point where level 4 is not at its highest point. Nevertheless, Beltway 8 still has some of the highest and most massive connection ramps anywhere. Houston stacks are not sleek and beautiful like California stacks (the Century Freeway in particular), but if you like massive concrete and steel, you'll love the Beltway 8 stacks.

There's more stack construction underway and planned (see map).

US 290	1990	Massive concrete and steel. Possibly the biggest you'll find anywhere.
I-10 West	1989	This stack is built on extremely limited right-of-way, with ramps over the feeders.
Westpark Tollway	2003	The reverse stack. An unusual interchange with all connections below grade is planned.
US 59 South	1990,1998	A typical Beltway 8 stack.
I-45 South	1998	Sprawling, high flying ramps, symmetric. Could this be the perfect stack?
I-10 East	1995	This is the only 4-level at a major freeway.
US 59 North	1995	Phase 1 of this stack is under construction. See schematic and construction photos.
JFK Boulevard	1997	This interchange with a non-freeway is four-level with 2 direct connector ramps.
Hardy Toll Road	2002	One direct connector is under construction.
I-45 North	1969, 1998, 2002	Four ramps are currently under contruction to complete this stack. See construction photos.
249	2005	Four direct connectors are planned, construction to start in 2003 or 2004.

Views of the Main Lanes

Other Features