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SH 130 Toll Road Complete Guide

System: Electronic toll collection (TxTag, EZ TAG, TollTag) + Pay By Mail
Length: 91 miles total (49 miles Segments 1-4, 41 miles Segments 5-6)
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Technology: Electronic tags, License plate recognition, Cashless tolling
Operators: TxDOT (Segments 1-4), SH 130 Concession Company (Segments 5-6)
Speed Limit: Up to 85 mph (highest in the United States)
Also Known As: Pickle Parkway

Do I Need an Electronic Tag for SH 130? 2025 Update

No, you don't need an electronic tag to use SH 130 - but you'll save up to 33% on toll costs with one. The 91-mile toll road operates with completely automated cashless tolling, accepting electronic tags from multiple providers or billing untagged vehicles through Pay By Mail.

Key Reality: Without an electronic tag, you'll pay up to 50% higher rates. For the full 91-mile journey from Georgetown to Seguin, electronic tag users pay $18.87 while Pay By Mail costs $26.58 - a difference of $7.71 per trip.

2025 Update: HCTRA now manages TxTag operations as of November 2024. New toll rates for Segments 5-6 took effect November 11, 2024. The road continues to offer the highest speed limit in the United States at 85 mph on southern segments.

SH 130 Toll Costs: Current Rates

SH 130 operates with distance-based electronic toll collection across two distinct segments with different operators and rate structures. The 91-mile alternative to I-35 provides significant time savings for cross-Central Texas travel.

Current Toll Rates by Segment (2025)

Segment Length Speed Limit Operator Rate Structure
Segments 1-4 49 miles 80 mph TxDOT Distance-based by axle
Segments 5-6 41 miles 85 mph SH 130 Concession Distance-based by vehicle shape

Common Trip Costs (2025 Rates)

Trip Distance Electronic Tag Pay By Mail Savings
Georgetown to Seguin 91 miles $18.87 $26.58 $7.71
Austin Airport to Seguin ~60 miles $12.33 $16.77 $4.44
Downtown Austin to San Antonio ~50 miles $11.47 $15.48 $4.01
Seguin to Lockhart ~20 miles $6.96 $9.26 $2.30

Vehicle Classification System

Segments 1-4 (TxDOT): Classified by number of axles (2-axle, 3-axle, 4-axle, 5-axle, 6-axle)

Segments 5-6 (Private): Classified by vehicle shape and size (Class A through Class E)

  • Class A: Vehicles including motorcycles (Height < 7', Length < 20')
  • Class B: Class A vehicle plus trailer
  • Class C: Larger vehicle without trailer (Height 7'-12', Length 20'-46')
  • Class D: Larger vehicle with one trailer (Height > 12', Length > 46')
  • Class E: Any vehicle with 2+ trailers

How to Pay SH 130 Tolls

SH 130 operates with completely automated cashless tolling across all segments. All tolls are collected electronically at highway speeds with no options for cash payments.

1. Electronic Tag Systems (Up to 33% Savings):

  • 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 all billing for both segments
  • Up to 50% higher rates than electronic tags
  • Invoice mailed to registered vehicle owner

3. Veterans Discount Program:

  • Available on TxDOT Segments 1-4 only
  • Qualified veterans with specialty license plates ride free
  • Segments 5-6 currently not included in state program
  • Automatic recognition with registered electronic tag

To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types on SH 130, use TollGuru toll calculator

Recent Changes (2025)

TxTag System Transition:

  • November 2024: HCTRA assumed TxTag operations from TxDOT
  • 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:

  • November 11, 2024: Segments 5-6 toll rates increased
  • January 1, 2025: Segments 1-4 rates adjusted for inflation
  • Full-length passenger car trip now $18.87 with electronic tag
  • Annual rate adjustments continue based on economic indicators

Leadership Changes:

  • January 2025: Ananth Prasad named new CEO of SH 130 Concession Company
  • Continued focus on commercial traffic growth
  • Enhanced anti-scam measures and customer communication

Traffic Growth:

  • Post-pandemic traffic volumes significantly higher than pre-2020 levels
  • Increased commercial truck usage avoiding I-35 congestion
  • Northern segments (1-4) reporting healthy traffic volumes of 30,000-55,000 vehicles

Regional Toll Information

TxDOT Central Texas Turnpike System (Segments 1-4):

Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority Network:

Private Toll Road Operations:

  • SH 130 Segments 5-6 - 50-year concession operated by private consortium
  • Strategic Value Partners and U.S. federal government ownership
  • Revenue sharing with TxDOT for regional mobility improvements
  • American-owned business headquartered in Central Texas

Planning Your Journey

Route Planning:

  • Primary I-35 alternative: Georgetown to San Antonio bypass
  • Major connections: US 183, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, SH 71
  • Serves eastern Austin suburbs: Manor, Pflugerville, Georgetown
  • Key commercial route avoiding I-35 congestion and construction

Speed Advantages:

  • Segments 1-4: 80 mph speed limit (higher than I-35's 70-75 mph)
  • Segments 5-6: 85 mph speed limit (highest in the United States)
  • Continuous travel without traffic signals or intersections
  • Significant time savings during peak I-35 congestion periods

Commercial Benefits:

  • Preferred route for commercial trucks avoiding I-35 delays
  • Direct connection to Mexico-Midwest freight corridor
  • Consistent travel times vs. unpredictable I-35 congestion
  • Growing industrial development along southern segments

Cost Considerations:

  • Electronic tag essential for regular users - saves $200-400 annually
  • Consider time value vs. toll cost for commercial operations
  • Distance from population centers increases travel time to access points
  • Fuel savings from higher speed limits and reduced congestion

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I avoid SH 130 tolls?

Yes, you can use I-35 as the free alternative. However, I-35 experiences significant congestion, construction delays, and slower speeds. SH 130 offers time savings that often justify the toll cost for many travelers.

What happens if I don't pay SH 130 tolls?

HCTRA handles all billing and collection. Unpaid tolls result in escalating fees, potential collection agency involvement, and possible vehicle registration blocks. Pay promptly to avoid additional charges.

Why is SH 130 called the Pickle Parkway?

The route is named after former US Representative J.J. Pickle, who served the Austin area from 1963 to 1995 and was instrumental in obtaining federal funding for planning studies that led to SH 130's development.

Do veterans get discounts on SH 130?

Qualified veterans with specialty license plates receive free tolls on TxDOT-operated Segments 1-4. However, the privately-operated Segments 5-6 are not currently included in the state veteran discount program.

Can I use my out-of-state electronic tag?

Yes, SH 130 accepts K-TAG from Kansas and Pikepass from Oklahoma on all segments. These tags work throughout Texas, making them convenient for interstate travelers.

What is the fastest speed limit in America?

SH 130 Segments 5-6 have an 85 mph speed limit, the highest posted speed limit in the United States. This makes it one of the fastest legal driving routes in the Americas.

SH 130 vs. Regional Alternatives

Route Length Speed Limit Cost Congestion
SH 130 91 miles 80-85 mph $18.87 (Georgetown-Seguin) Light traffic
I-35 ~80 miles 70-75 mph Free Heavy congestion
SH 45 North 13 miles 75-80 mph Distance-based Moderate
183A Toll 11.6 miles 75-80 mph Distance-based Light-moderate

Useful Links & Resources

Internal Navigation:

Customer Service:

  • HCTRA Customer Service: 281-875-3279 (TxTag/EZ TAG accounts)
  • SH 130 Segments 5-6 Information: Contact through HCTRA
  • Online Account Management: hctra.org
  • TxDOT Toll Operations: 1-888-468-9824 (legacy TxTag issues)

Official Resources:

  • SH 130 Segments 5-6: mysh130.com
  • TxDOT Austin Area Tolls: txtag.org
  • HCTRA: hctra.org
  • Live Traffic Map: Available on SH 130 website

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