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{{DISPLAYTITLE: SH 45 Toll Road Complete Guide: Austin Loop, Rates & Payment 2025}}
{{#seo:|title=SH 45 Toll Road Complete Guide: Austin Loop, Rates & Payment 2025}}
{{#seo:|keywords=SH 45 toll road, Austin bypass, SH 45 North, SH 45 Southeast, SH 45 Southwest, TxTag, electronic tags, Austin loop}}
{{#seo:|description=Complete 2025 guide to SH 45 Toll Road system in Austin, Texas. Current rates, electronic tag options, and comprehensive Austin loop information.}}
{{#canonics: https://tollguru.com/toll-wiki/sh-45-toll}}
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<h1 style="font-size: 32px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 10px 0; border-bottom: 3px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-top: 0">SH 45 Toll Road Complete Guide</h1>

<div style="background: #ffffff; border: 1px solid #dee2e6; border-radius: 8px; padding: 20px; padding-bottom:0">
<div style="color: #202122; font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6;">
<strong style="font-weight: bold;">System:</strong> Electronic toll collection (TxTag, EZ TAG, TollTag) + Pay By Mail<br>
<strong style="font-weight: bold;">Total Length:</strong> ~80 miles planned Austin loop (currently 24.3 miles operational)<br>
<strong style="font-weight: bold;">Currency:</strong> US Dollar (USD)<br>
<strong style="font-weight: bold;">Technology:</strong> Electronic tags, License plate recognition, Cashless tolling<br>
<strong style="font-weight: bold;">Operators:</strong> TxDOT (North & Southeast), CTRMA (Southwest)<br>
<strong style="font-weight: bold;">Designation:</strong> Planned complete Austin bypass loop<br>
<strong style="font-weight: bold;">Status:</strong> Three segments operational, missing western connections
</div>
</div>

<h2 style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 25px 0 15px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 2px;">Do I Need an Electronic Tag for SH 45? 2025 Update</h2>

<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;">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.</p>

<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Key Reality:</strong> 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.</p>

<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">2025 Update:</strong> 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.</p>

<h2 style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 25px 0 15px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 2px;">SH 45 Toll Costs: Current Rates</h2>

<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;">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.</p>

<h3 style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 20px 0 10px 0;">Current Operational Segments (2025)</h3>

<table style="width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; margin: 20px 0; font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; color: #202122; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6;">
<tr>
<th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">Segment</th>
<th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">Length</th>
<th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">Location</th>
<th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">Operator</th>
<th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">Opened</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">SH 45 North</td>
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">13 miles</td>
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">US 183 to SH 130</td>
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">TxDOT</td>
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">2006-2007</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">SH 45 Southeast</td>
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">7.4 miles</td>
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">I-35 to SH 130</td>
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">TxDOT</td>
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">2009</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">SH 45 Southwest</td>
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">3.6 miles</td>
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">MoPac to FM 1626</td>
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">CTRMA</td>
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">2019</td>
</tr>
</table>

<h3 style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 20px 0 10px 0;">2025 Toll Rates by Segment</h3>

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<tr>
<th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">Toll Location</th>
<th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">Electronic Tag</th>
<th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">Pay By Mail</th>
<th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">Savings</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;"><strong>SH 45 North - Main Plazas</strong></td>
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">$1.32</td>
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">$1.98</td>
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">$0.66</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;"><strong>SH 45 North - Ramps</strong></td>
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">$0.87-$1.32</td>
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">$1.31-$1.98</td>
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">$0.44-$0.66</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;"><strong>SH 45 Southeast - Plaza</strong></td>
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">$1.30</td>
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">$1.95</td>
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">$0.65</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;"><strong>SH 45 Southeast - Ramps</strong></td>
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">$0.85</td>
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">$1.28</td>
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">$0.43</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;"><strong>SH 45 Southwest - Distance-based</strong></td>
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">Variable rates</td>
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">50% higher + fees</td>
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">33% savings</td>
</tr>
</table>

<h3 style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 20px 0 10px 0;">Vehicle Classification & Rates</h3>

<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">TxDOT Segments (North & Southeast):</strong> Classified by number of axles</p>
<ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;">
<li>2-axle vehicles: Base rate (cars, SUVs, pickups, motorcycles)</li>
<li>3-axle vehicles: 2x base rate</li>
<li>4-axle vehicles: 3x base rate</li>
<li>5-axle vehicles: 4x base rate</li>
<li>6-axle vehicles: 5x base rate</li>
</ul>

<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">CTRMA Segment (Southwest):</strong> 2025 rates with 2.44% annual increase</p>

<h2 style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 25px 0 15px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 2px;">How to Pay SH 45 Tolls</h2>

<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;">All SH 45 segments operate with completely automated cashless tolling. All tolls are collected electronically at highway speeds with no cash payment options.</p>

<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">1. Electronic Tag Systems (50% Savings on TxDOT segments):</strong></p>
<ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;">
<li>TxTag (now managed by HCTRA), EZ TAG (HCTRA), TollTag (NTTA)</li>
<li>K-TAG (Kansas), Pikepass (Oklahoma) - accepted on all segments</li>
<li>Automatic account deduction - no stopping required</li>
<li>Works on all Texas toll roads plus Kansas and Oklahoma</li>
</ul>

<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">2. Pay By Mail (License Plate Billing):</strong></p>
<ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;">
<li>Camera captures license plate for untagged vehicles</li>
<li>HCTRA processes billing for TxDOT segments</li>
<li>CTRMA processes billing for Southwest segment</li>
<li>50% higher rates than electronic tags plus processing fees</li>
</ul>

<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">3. Veterans Discount Program:</strong></p>
<ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;">
<li>Available on TxDOT segments (North & Southeast)</li>
<li>Qualified veterans with specialty license plates ride free</li>
<li>Southwest segment (CTRMA) has separate veteran discount program</li>
<li>Automatic recognition with registered electronic tag</li>
</ul>

<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;">To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types on SH 45 segments, use TollGuru toll calculator</p>

<div style="text-align: center; margin: 20px 0;">
<html>
<a href="https://tollguru.com/toll-calculator-texas"><button class="custom-button button-orange" type="button">Calculate SH 45 Toll</button></a>
</html>
</div>

<h2 style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 25px 0 15px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 2px;">Recent Changes (2025)</h2>

<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">TxTag System Transition:</strong></p>
<ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;">
<li>November 2024: HCTRA assumed TxTag operations for TxDOT segments</li>
<li>Unified billing system for Austin and Houston area toll roads</li>
<li>Existing TxTag customers can continue using current tags</li>
<li>New customers must obtain EZ TAG through HCTRA</li>
</ul>

<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Rate Adjustments:</strong></p>
<ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;">
<li>January 1, 2025: TxDOT segments adjusted for inflation</li>
<li>January 1, 2025: CTRMA Southwest segment increased 2.44%</li>
<li>Annual rate adjustments continue based on economic indicators</li>
<li>Electronic tag users continue to save 50% on TxDOT segments</li>
</ul>

<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Loop Completion Status:</strong></p>
<ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;">
<li>Western segments still in planning phase</li>
<li>SH 45 South (FM 1626 to I-35) included in CAMPO 2040 Plan</li>
<li>Complete 80-mile Austin loop remains long-term goal</li>
<li>Environmental and funding challenges continue for western portions</li>
</ul>

<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Speed Limit Updates:</strong></p>
<ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;">
<li>SH 45 Southwest: 70 mph speed limit assigned April 2022</li>
<li>Previously operated without posted speed limit since 2019 opening</li>
<li>North and Southeast segments maintain standard highway speeds</li>
</ul>

<h2 style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 25px 0 15px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 2px;">Regional Toll Information</h2>

<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">TxDOT Central Texas Turnpike System:</strong></p>
<ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;">
<li>[[sh-45-north|SH 45 North]] - 13-mile northern bypass from US 183 to SH 130</li>
<li>[[sh-45-southeast|SH 45 Southeast]] - 7.4-mile southeastern connector completing eastern bypass</li>
<li>[[sh-130-toll-road|SH 130 Segments 1-4]] - 49-mile eastern bypass alternative to I-35</li>
<li>[[loop-1-toll-lanes|Loop 1 (MoPac)]] - 4-mile tolled segments connecting to SH 45 North</li>
</ul>

<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority Network:</strong></p>
<ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;">
<li>[[sh-45sw-toll-road|SH 45 Southwest]] - 3.6-mile CTRMA-operated segment</li>
<li>[[183a-toll-road|183A Toll]] - Northwest corridor connecting to SH 45 North</li>
<li>[[290-toll-road|290 Toll]] - Eastern Travis County connection</li>
<li>[[mopac-express-lane|MoPac Express Lane]] - Variable pricing express lanes</li>
<li>[[183-toll-road|183 Toll]] - East Austin corridor</li>
</ul>

<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Planned Future Connections:</strong></p>
<ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;">
<li>SH 45 South - FM 1626 to I-35 connector (CAMPO 2040 Plan)</li>
<li>Western segments - Complete loop around Austin (long-term planning)</li>
<li>Environmental studies required for Edwards Aquifer region</li>
<li>Funding mechanisms under evaluation for completion</li>
</ul>

<h2 style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 25px 0 15px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 2px;">Planning Your Journey</h2>

<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Current Loop Configuration:</strong></p>
<ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;">
<li>Eastern bypass: Complete via SH 45 North → SH 130 → SH 45 Southeast</li>
<li>Southern connection: SH 45 Southwest serves limited southwestern area</li>
<li>Western gap: No direct connection between Southwest and Southeast segments</li>
<li>Northern completion: SH 45 North connects to Loop 1 and I-35</li>
</ul>

<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Best Use Cases:</strong></p>
<ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;">
<li>I-35 bypass: Use SH 45 North → SH 130 → SH 45 Southeast for eastern bypass</li>
<li>Airport access: SH 45 Southeast provides direct connection to Austin-Bergstrom</li>
<li>Southwest Austin: SH 45 Southwest saves 9-17 minutes over local routes</li>
<li>North Austin commuting: SH 45 North connects suburbs to employment centers</li>
</ul>

<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Time and Cost Savings:</strong></p>
<ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;">
<li>Electronic tag essential for regular users - 50% savings on TxDOT segments</li>
<li>Significant time savings during peak I-35 congestion periods</li>
<li>SH 45 Southwest: 9-17 minute savings over Slaughter Lane/Brodie Lane</li>
<li>Airport connections: Faster access than downtown Austin routes</li>
</ul>

<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Route Limitations:</strong></p>
<ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;">
<li>Incomplete loop - no continuous circumferential route</li>
<li>Western Austin not served by current segments</li>
<li>Multiple toll operators require different payment systems</li>
<li>Gap between Southwest and Southeast segments requires local roads</li>
</ul>

<h2 style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 25px 0 15px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 2px;">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>

<h3 style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 15px 0 8px 0;">Is SH 45 a complete loop around Austin?</h3>
<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;">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.</p>

<h3 style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 15px 0 8px 0;">Can I drive around Austin using only SH 45?</h3>
<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;">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.</p>

<h3 style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 15px 0 8px 0;">What happens if I don't pay SH 45 tolls?</h3>
<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;">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.</p>

<h3 style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 15px 0 8px 0;">Do veterans get discounts on all SH 45 segments?</h3>
<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;">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.</p>

<h3 style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 15px 0 8px 0;">When will SH 45 loop be completed?</h3>
<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;">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.</p>

<h3 style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 15px 0 8px 0;">Which electronic tags work on all SH 45 segments?</h3>
<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;">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.</p>

<h2 style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 25px 0 15px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 2px;">SH 45 vs. Austin Alternatives</h2>

<table style="width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; margin: 20px 0; font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; color: #202122; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6;">
<tr>
<th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">Route</th>
<th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">Length</th>
<th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">Cost</th>
<th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">Time Savings</th>
<th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">Status</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">SH 45 Loop (Current)</td>
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">24.3 miles</td>
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">$1.30-$1.32 per plaza</td>
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">Significant vs. I-35</td>
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">Incomplete loop</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">I-35 Through Austin</td>
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">~25 miles</td>
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">Free</td>
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">Heavy congestion</td>
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">Under construction</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">[[sh-130-toll-road|SH 130 Eastern Bypass]]</td>
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">91 miles total</td>
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">$18.87 full length</td>
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">85 mph speed limit</td>
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">Complete bypass</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">Local Roads (Southwest)</td>
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">Variable</td>
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">Free</td>
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">9-17 minutes slower</td>
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">Congested</td>
</tr>
</table>

<h2 style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 25px 0 15px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 2px;">Useful Links & Resources</h2>

<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Internal Navigation:</strong></p>
<ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;">
<li>[[sh-45-north|SH 45 North]] - Northern segment details and connections</li>
<li>[[sh-45-southeast|SH 45 Southeast]] - Southeast segment and airport access</li>
<li>[[sh-45sw-toll-road|SH 45 Southwest]] - CTRMA-operated southwestern segment</li>
<li>[[austin-toll-roads|Austin Toll Roads]] - Complete Central Texas toll road network</li>
<li>[[sh-130-toll-road|SH 130]] - Eastern bypass alternative with complete loop</li>
<li>[[loop-1-toll-lanes|Loop 1]] - MoPac connections to SH 45 North</li>
</ul>

<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Customer Service:</strong></p>
<ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;">
<li>HCTRA (TxDOT Segments): 281-875-3279</li>
<li>CTRMA (Southwest Segment): (833) 762-8655</li>
<li>Online Account Management: hctra.org (TxDOT), PayMobilityBill.com (CTRMA)</li>
<li>In-Person Service: Multiple locations available</li>
</ul>

<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Planning Resources:</strong></p>
<ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;">
<li>TxDOT Austin Area: txtag.org</li>
<li>CTRMA: mobilityauthority.com</li>
<li>CAMPO 2040 Plan: Regional transportation planning</li>
<li>Loop completion studies: Long-term planning documents</li>
</ul>

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sh-45-toll-road - Revision history

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