U.S. Route 290: Difference between revisions

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This is not a "weight" issue; "(Business) U.S. Highway" is the official designation TxDOT uses per designation files and minute orders. This is consistent with every other article/list that lists such routes and WP:USSH, which states "The official name is the naming format typically used by the state department of transportation (DOT) or the general public, and is what should be used to refer the highway in article prose." Discuss on talk page if you feel this article warrants an exception.
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'''U.S. Route 290''' ('''US 290''') is an east–west [[U.S. Highway|U.S. Route]] located entirely within the state of [[Texas]]. Its western terminus is at [[Interstate 10 (Texas)|Interstate 10]] southeast of [[Segovia, Texas|Segovia]], and its eastern terminus is at [[Interstate 610 (Texas)|Interstate 610]] in northwest [[Houston]].<ref name="TXDOT US 290"/> It is the main highway between [[Houston]] and [[Austin, Texas|Austin]] and is a cutoff for travelers wanting to bypass [[San Antonio]] on [[Interstate 10 (Texas)|Interstate 10]]. Throughout its length west of Austin, US 290 cuts across mountainous hills comprising the [[Texas Hill Country]] and the [[Edwards Plateau]]; between Austin and Houston, the highway then travels through gradually hilly grasslands and pine forests comprising the [[Gulf Coastal Plains]].
'''U.S. Route 290''' ('''US 290''') is an east&ndash;west [[U.S. Highway]] located entirely within the state of [[Texas]]. Its western terminus is at [[Interstate 10 (Texas)|Interstate 10]] southeast of [[Segovia, Texas|Segovia]], and its eastern terminus is at [[Interstate 610 (Texas)|Interstate 610]] in northwest [[Houston]].<ref name="TXDOT US 290"/> It is the main highway between [[Houston]] and [[Austin, Texas|Austin]] and is a cutoff for travelers wanting to bypass [[San Antonio]] on [[Interstate 10 (Texas)|Interstate 10]]. Throughout its length west of Austin, US&nbsp;290 cuts across mountainous hills comprising the [[Texas Hill Country]] and the [[Edwards Plateau]]; between Austin and Houston, the highway then travels through gradually hilly grasslands and pine forests comprising the [[Gulf Coastal Plains]].


In its original designation in 1926, US 290 originally traveled from [[U.S. Route 80 in Texas|US 80]] in [[Scroggins Draw, Texas|Scroggins Draw]] to terminate in San Antonio; though the highway still retains its designation from southeast of Segovia to [[Fredericksburg, Texas|Fredericksburg]], [[Interstate 10 in Texas|I-10]] and [[U.S. Route 87 in Texas|US 87]] replaced much of the old routing in 1935. US 290 also received several minor re-routings east of Austin in 1951 that moved it further north, eliminating the old SH 20; the old routings were replaced by [[Texas State Highway 71|SH 71]] and [[Texas State Highway 21|SH 21]]. Although, US 290 does not technically connect to its parent route of [[U.S. Route 90]], ramps at its eastern terminus lead to US 90 and [[Interstate 10 in Texas|I-10]].
In its original designation in 1926, US&nbsp;290 originally traveled from [[U.S. Route 80 in Texas|US&nbsp;80]] in [[Scroggins Draw, Texas|Scroggins Draw]] to terminate in San Antonio; though the highway still retains its designation from southeast of Segovia to [[Fredericksburg, Texas|Fredericksburg]], [[Interstate 10 in Texas|I-10]] and [[U.S. Route 87 in Texas|US&nbsp;87]] replaced much of the old routing in 1935. US&nbsp;290 also received several minor re-routings east of Austin in 1951 that moved it further north, eliminating the old SH&nbsp;20; the old routings were replaced by [[Texas State Highway 71|SH&nbsp;71]] and [[Texas State Highway 21|SH&nbsp;21]]. Although, US 290 does not technically connect to its parent route of [[U.S. Route 90]], ramps at its eastern terminus lead to US 90 and [[Interstate 10 in Texas|I-10]].


==Route description==
==Route description==
US 290 begins from [[Interstate 10 in Texas|I-10]] roughly {{convert|12|mi|km}} southeast of the small town of [[Segovia, Texas|Segovia]]. It begins to travel due east through rural farmlands in the Texas Hill Country before reaching [[Harper, Texas|Harper]], where it is the main west–east road in the town.<ref name="Google Maps">{{google maps|url=https://www.google.com/maps/dir/30.2985557,-99.5426072/29.805401,-95.4538207/@30.2942574,-99.055018,8z/data=!4m9!4m8!1m5!3m4!1m2!1d-97.4938997!2d30.3506565!3s0x8644c0e434901b55:0xdf0ab25175c2b1a7!1m0!3e0|title=Overview Map of US 290|access-date=April 15, 2020}}</ref> Afterwards, US 290 begins making slight curves as it crosses through several creeks and tributaries amidst additional farmland, where it eventually joins [[U.S. Route 87 in Texas|US 87]] and runs as Main Street through [[Fredericksburg, Texas|Fredericksburg]]. The two highways travel together for eleven blocks in downtown Fredericksburg before US 87 splits south of US 290 at an intersection directly south of the [[National Museum of the Pacific War]].<ref name="Google Maps"/> Traveling due south, US 290 returns to an eastward path after crossing the [[Pedernales River]], where it serves as a major artery for Fredericksburg's agricultural district, including [[Wildseed Farms]].<ref name="Google Maps"/> The highway then runs parallel to the Pedernales River, and after passing [[Stonewall, Texas|Stonewall]], serves the south side of [[Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park#LBJ Ranch|LBJ Ranch]].<ref name="Google Maps"/> As the Pedernales River arcs further north, US 290 continues east through several wineries before approaching [[Johnson City, Texas|Johnson City]] and bordering the north side of the [[Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park#Johnson City|LBJ Johnson City Unit]].<ref name="Google Maps"/> US 290 runs along Main Street throughout downtown Johnson City as it joins [[U.S. Route 281 in Texas|US 281]] and heads south.<ref name="Google Maps"/>
US&nbsp;290 begins from [[Interstate 10 in Texas|I-10]] roughly {{convert|12|mi|km}} southeast of the small town of [[Segovia, Texas|Segovia]]. It begins to travel due east through rural farmlands in the Texas Hill Country before reaching [[Harper, Texas|Harper]], where it is the main west–east road in the town.<ref name="Google Maps">{{google maps|url=https://www.google.com/maps/dir/30.2985557,-99.5426072/29.805401,-95.4538207/@30.2942574,-99.055018,8z/data=!4m9!4m8!1m5!3m4!1m2!1d-97.4938997!2d30.3506565!3s0x8644c0e434901b55:0xdf0ab25175c2b1a7!1m0!3e0|title=Overview Map of US&nbsp;290|access-date=April 15, 2020}}</ref> Afterwards, US&nbsp;290 begins making slight curves as it crosses through several creeks and tributaries amidst additional farmland, where it eventually joins [[U.S. Route 87 in Texas|US&nbsp;87]] and runs as Main Street through [[Fredericksburg, Texas|Fredericksburg]]. The two highways travel together for eleven blocks in downtown Fredericksburg before US&nbsp;87 splits south of US&nbsp;290 at an intersection directly south of the [[National Museum of the Pacific War]].<ref name="Google Maps"/> Traveling due south, US&nbsp;290 returns to an eastward path after crossing the [[Pedernales River]], where it serves as a major artery for Fredericksburg's agricultural district, including [[Wildseed Farms]].<ref name="Google Maps"/> The highway then runs parallel to the Pedernales River, and after passing [[Stonewall, Texas|Stonewall]], serves the south side of [[Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park#LBJ Ranch|LBJ Ranch]].<ref name="Google Maps"/> As the Pedernales River arcs further north, US&nbsp;290 continues east through several wineries before approaching [[Johnson City, Texas|Johnson City]] and bordering the north side of the [[Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park#Johnson City|LBJ Johnson City Unit]].<ref name="Google Maps"/> US&nbsp;290 runs along Main Street throughout downtown Johnson City as it joins [[U.S. Route 281 in Texas|US&nbsp;281]] and heads south.<ref name="Google Maps"/>


After traveling through additional hilly terrain, US 290 splits east from US 281 and twists through slopes in the Edwards Plateau, where an intersection with [[Ranch to Market Road 3232|RM 3232]] in the unincorporated community of [[Henly, Texas|Henly]] provides access to [[Pedernales Falls State Park]]. US 290 then curves south to serve downtown [[Dripping Springs, Texas|Dripping Springs]], and then serves various residential areas as it crosses into southwest [[Austin, Texas|Austin]].<ref name="Google Maps"/> The highway then begins a concurrency with [[Texas State Highway 71|SH 71]] at a series of traffic lights and travels through Austin's Oak Hill district before becoming a five-to-six-lane freeway. In the community of [[Sunset Valley, Texas|Sunset Valley]], US 290 has interchanges with [[Texas State Highway Loop 1|Loop 1]] (MoPac Expressway) and [[Texas State Highway Loop 360|Loop 360]] (Capital of Texas Highway) providing access to the [[Barton Creek Greenbelt]], and is then designated as Ben White Boulevard while it travels through south-central Austin, crossing the [[Union Pacific Railroad|UPRR]] Austin Subdivision railroad in the process. Shortly afterward, US 290 splits north from SH 71 in a stack interchange to run concurrent with [[Interstate 35 in Texas|I-35]].<ref name="Google Maps"/>
After traveling through additional hilly terrain, US&nbsp;290 splits east from US&nbsp;281 and twists through slopes in the Edwards Plateau, where an intersection with [[Ranch to Market Road 3232|RM&nbsp;3232]] in the unincorporated community of [[Henly, Texas|Henly]] provides access to [[Pedernales Falls State Park]]. US&nbsp;290 then curves south to serve downtown [[Dripping Springs, Texas|Dripping Springs]], and then serves various residential areas as it crosses into southwest [[Austin, Texas|Austin]].<ref name="Google Maps"/> The highway then begins a concurrency with [[Texas State Highway 71|SH&nbsp;71]] at a series of traffic lights and travels through Austin's Oak Hill district before becoming a five-to-six-lane freeway. In the community of [[Sunset Valley, Texas|Sunset Valley]], US&nbsp;290 has interchanges with [[Texas State Highway Loop 1|Loop&nbsp;1]] (MoPac Expressway) and [[Texas State Highway Loop 360|Loop&nbsp;360]] (Capital of Texas Highway) providing access to the [[Barton Creek Greenbelt]], and is then designated as Ben White Boulevard while it travels through south-central Austin, crossing the [[Union Pacific Railroad|UPRR]] Austin Subdivision railroad in the process. Shortly afterward, US&nbsp;290 splits north from SH&nbsp;71 in a stack interchange to run concurrent with [[Interstate 35 in Texas|I-35]].<ref name="Google Maps"/>


[[File:The Y in Oak Hill Austin Texas 2018.jpg|thumb|left|The west end of US 290's concurrency with SH 71 is located near the Oak Hill district in Austin.]]
[[File:The Y in Oak Hill Austin Texas 2018.jpg|thumb|left|The west end of US&nbsp;290's concurrency with SH&nbsp;71 is located near the Oak Hill district in Austin.]]
Upon beginning its concurrency with I-35, US 290 travels through the suburban Riverside and Travis Heights districts while also serving [[St. Edward's University]]. After crossing the [[Colorado River (Texas)|Colorado River]], I-35 and US 290 cut between downtown Austin and the East Cesar Chavez district, being the only major highways to serve the [[Austin Convention Center]] and the [[Texas State Capitol]]. Just prior to bordering the east side of the main [[University of Texas at Austin]] campus, I-35 and US 290 split into two decks for about {{convert|2|mi|km}}, resurfacing close to the former [[Robert Mueller Municipal Airport|Mueller Airport]].<ref name="Google Maps"/> US 290 then splits due east from I-35 southeast of the former [[Highland Mall]] as a four-lane freeway. Not long after, US 290 has an interchange with [[U.S. Route 183 in Texas|US 183]] and promptly becomes a tolled freeway designated as the Manor Expressway. It then travels through much of industrial East Austin and Daffan before reverting to a four-lane divided highway after an interchange with [[Texas State Highway 130|SH 130]], less than a mile shy of [[Manor, Texas|Manor]].<ref name="Google Maps"/> US 290 then makes its way through rolling meadows dotted with suburban areas in northeast Travis County, then travels through southern [[Elgin, Texas|Elgin]] where it forms a brief concurrency with [[Texas State Highway 95|SH 95]]. Passing through the town of [[McDade, Texas|McDade]], US 290 cuts through piney woods north of the [[Lost Pines Forest]] and has an interchange with [[Texas State Highway 21|SH 21]] west of [[Paige, Texas|Paige]]. US 290 continues east, running parallel to the [[Austin and Northwestern Railroad]] east branch until approaching [[Giddings, Texas|Giddings]], where the highway travels along Austin Street, intersecting [[U.S. Route 77 in Texas|US 77]] near the town's center.<ref name="Google Maps"/>
Upon beginning its concurrency with I-35, US&nbsp;290 travels through the suburban Riverside and Travis Heights districts while also serving [[St. Edward's University]]. After crossing the [[Colorado River (Texas)|Colorado River]], I-35 and US 290 cut between downtown Austin and the East Cesar Chavez district, being the only major highways to serve the [[Austin Convention Center]] and the [[Texas State Capitol]]. Just prior to bordering the east side of the main [[University of Texas at Austin]] campus, I-35 and US&nbsp;290 split into two decks for about {{convert|2|mi|km}}, resurfacing close to the former [[Robert Mueller Municipal Airport|Mueller Airport]].<ref name="Google Maps"/> US&nbsp;290 then splits due east from I-35 southeast of the former [[Highland Mall]] as a four-lane freeway. Not long after, US&nbsp;290 has an interchange with [[U.S. Route 183 in Texas|US&nbsp;183]] and promptly becomes a tolled freeway designated as the Manor Expressway. It then travels through much of industrial East Austin and Daffan before reverting to a four-lane divided highway after an interchange with [[Texas State Highway 130|SH&nbsp;130]], less than a mile shy of [[Manor, Texas|Manor]].<ref name="Google Maps"/> US&nbsp;290 then makes its way through rolling meadows dotted with suburban areas in northeast Travis County, then travels through southern [[Elgin, Texas|Elgin]] where it forms a brief concurrency with [[Texas State Highway 95|SH&nbsp;95]]. Passing through the town of [[McDade, Texas|McDade]], US&nbsp;290 cuts through piney woods north of the [[Lost Pines Forest]] and has an interchange with [[Texas State Highway 21|SH&nbsp;21]] west of [[Paige, Texas|Paige]]. US&nbsp;290 continues east, running parallel to the [[Austin and Northwestern Railroad]] east branch until approaching [[Giddings, Texas|Giddings]], where the highway travels along Austin Street, intersecting [[U.S. Route 77 in Texas|US&nbsp;77]] near the town's center.<ref name="Google Maps"/>


[[File:Houston, TX - IH610 US290 - exit12 w18th st - Hempstead rd.jpg|thumb|I-610 at US 290's eastern terminus in Houston]]
[[File:Houston, TX - IH610 US290 - exit12 w18th st - Hempstead rd.jpg|thumb|I-610 at US&nbsp;290's eastern terminus in Houston]]
US 290 travels southeast to [[Ledbetter, Texas|Ledbetter]], where it then travels through additional grassland before bounding northeast to [[Burton, Texas|Burton]]. The highway then enters [[Brenham, Texas|Brenham]], where it briefly joins [[Texas State Highway 36|SH 36]] to serve [[Blinn College]] and bypass the city as a four-lane freeway. After exiting Brenham, US 290 runs parallel to the old [[Washington County Railroad (1856–1868)|Washington County Railroad]] and goes through [[Chappell Hill, Texas|Chappell Hill]] to serve every historic landmark there, then crosses the [[Brazos River]] to move through a rural auto-industrial area.<ref name="Google Maps"/> [[Texas State Highway 6|SH 6]] joins US 290 north of [[Hempstead, Texas|Hempstead]], where the two highways become a four-lane freeway notable for its role as a [[hurricane evacuation route]]. Running parallel to the [[Houston and Texas Central Railway]] from the north, US 290 finally comes right next to it roughly {{convert|3|mi|km}} prior to intersecting [[Texas State Highway 99|SH 99]]. The highway is then designated as Northwest Freeway (legally as the Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway<ref>"[http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=79R&Bill=HB540 Bill: HB 540 Legislative Session: 79(R)]." ''[[Texas Legislature]]''. Retrieved on February 12, 2009.</ref>) as it travels through the suburb of [[Cypress, Texas|Cypress]], later splitting off SH 6 to the south in the suburb of [[Jersey Village, Texas|Jersey Village]]. Following an interchange with the [[Sam Houston Tollway]], US 290 serves several businesses and neighborhoods in northwest [[Houston]] before terminating at an interchange with [[Interstate 610 (Texas)|I-610]] west of the Lazybrook/Timbergrove district.<ref name="Google Maps"/>
US&nbsp;290 travels southeast to [[Ledbetter, Texas|Ledbetter]], where it then travels through additional grassland before bounding northeast to [[Burton, Texas|Burton]]. The highway then enters [[Brenham, Texas|Brenham]], where it briefly joins [[Texas State Highway 36|SH&nbsp;36]] to serve [[Blinn College]] and bypass the city as a four-lane freeway. After exiting Brenham, US&nbsp;290 runs parallel to the old [[Washington County Railroad (1856–1868)|Washington County Railroad]] and goes through [[Chappell Hill, Texas|Chappell Hill]] to serve every historic landmark there, then crosses the [[Brazos River]] to move through a rural auto-industrial area.<ref name="Google Maps"/> [[Texas State Highway 6|SH&nbsp;6]] joins US&nbsp;290 north of [[Hempstead, Texas|Hempstead]], where the two highways become a four-lane freeway notable for its role as a [[hurricane evacuation route]]. Running parallel to the [[Houston and Texas Central Railway]] from the north, US&nbsp;290 finally comes right next to it roughly {{convert|3|mi|km}} prior to intersecting [[Texas State Highway 99|SH&nbsp;99]]. The highway is then designated as Northwest Freeway (legally as the Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway<ref>"[http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=79R&Bill=HB540 Bill: HB 540 Legislative Session: 79(R)]." ''[[Texas Legislature]]''. Retrieved on February 12, 2009.</ref>) as it travels through the suburb of [[Cypress, Texas|Cypress]], later splitting off SH&nbsp;6 to the south in the suburb of [[Jersey Village, Texas|Jersey Village]]. Following an interchange with the [[Sam Houston Tollway]], US&nbsp;290 serves several businesses and neighborhoods in northwest [[Houston]] before terminating at an interchange with [[Interstate 610 (Texas)|I-610]] west of the Lazybrook/Timbergrove district.<ref name="Google Maps"/>


==History==
==History==
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On June 21, 1917, the department's Office of State Highway Engineer issued a proposal for the state highway system. The proposal included [[Texas State Highway 20|SH 20]] originally planned as the [[Austin-Houston Highway]] between [[Austin, Texas|Austin]] and [[Houston, Texas|Houston]] by way of [[Bastrop, Texas|Bastrop]], [[Giddings, Texas|Giddings]], [[Brenham, Texas|Brenham]], and [[Hempstead, Texas|Hempstead]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://publicdocs.txdot.gov/minord/MinuteOrderDocLib/003676699.pdf|title=TxDOT Minute Order 003676699}}</ref> On July 17, 1917, the planned route was extended from Austin to [[Brady, Texas|Brady]] by way of [[Burnet, Texas|Burnet]], [[Llano, Texas|Llano]], and [[Mason, Texas|Mason]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://publicdocs.txdot.gov/minord/MinuteOrderDocLib/003676716.pdf|title=TxDOT Minute Order 003676716}}</ref><ref name="Map 1917">{{cite map|publisher=[[Texas State Highway Department]], Office of State Highway Engineer|title=Map Showing Proposed System of State Highways|url=http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/cgi-bin/aris/maps/maplookup.php?mapnum=6254|edition=June 1917|date=July 1917|cartography=John D. Miller|scale=¾"=25 mi.|access-date=July 21, 2010}}</ref> On December 17, 1918, SH 20 was rerouted away from Bastrop, with the section from Austin to Bastrop transferred to [[Texas State Highway 3|SH 3A]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://publicdocs.txdot.gov/minord/MinuteOrderDocLib/003676784.pdf|title=TxDOT Minute Order 003676784}}</ref> The section of SH 20 from Hempstead to Houston was cancelled as it was already part of the Gulf Division Branch of [[Texas State Highway 2|SH 2]].
On June 21, 1917, the department's Office of State Highway Engineer issued a proposal for the state highway system. The proposal included [[Texas State Highway 20|SH&nbsp;20]] originally planned as the [[Austin-Houston Highway]] between [[Austin, Texas|Austin]] and [[Houston, Texas|Houston]] by way of [[Bastrop, Texas|Bastrop]], [[Giddings, Texas|Giddings]], [[Brenham, Texas|Brenham]], and [[Hempstead, Texas|Hempstead]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://publicdocs.txdot.gov/minord/MinuteOrderDocLib/003676699.pdf|title=TxDOT Minute Order 003676699}}</ref> On July 17, 1917, the planned route was extended from Austin to [[Brady, Texas|Brady]] by way of [[Burnet, Texas|Burnet]], [[Llano, Texas|Llano]], and [[Mason, Texas|Mason]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://publicdocs.txdot.gov/minord/MinuteOrderDocLib/003676716.pdf|title=TxDOT Minute Order 003676716}}</ref><ref name="Map 1917">{{cite map|publisher=[[Texas State Highway Department]], Office of State Highway Engineer|title=Map Showing Proposed System of State Highways|url=http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/cgi-bin/aris/maps/maplookup.php?mapnum=6254|edition=June 1917|date=July 1917|cartography=John D. Miller|scale=¾"=25 mi.|access-date=July 21, 2010}}</ref> On December 17, 1918, SH&nbsp;20 was rerouted away from Bastrop, with the section from Austin to Bastrop transferred to [[Texas State Highway 3|SH&nbsp;3A]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://publicdocs.txdot.gov/minord/MinuteOrderDocLib/003676784.pdf|title=TxDOT Minute Order 003676784}}</ref> The section of SH&nbsp;20 from Hempstead to Houston was cancelled as it was already part of the Gulf Division Branch of [[Texas State Highway 2|SH&nbsp;2]].


{{Infobox road small
{{Infobox road small
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On November 19, 1917, an intercounty highway from Austin through [[Johnson City, Texas|Johnson City]] to [[Fredericksburg, Texas|Fredericksburg]] was designated.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://publicdocs.txdot.gov/minord/MinuteOrderDocLib/003676739.pdf|title=TxDOT Minute Order 003676739}}</ref> On January 20, 1919, this was changed to an auxiliary route of Highway 20, Highway 20A.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://publicdocs.txdot.gov/minord/MinuteOrderDocLib/003676785.pdf|title=TxDOT Minute Order 003676785}}</ref><ref name="Map 1919">{{cite map|publisher=[[Texas State Highway Department]]|title=Highway Map, State of Texas|url=http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/cgi-bin/aris/maps/maplookup.php?mapnum=6183|edition=October 1, 1919|scale=1"=25 mi.|access-date=July 21, 2010}}</ref> The highway routes remained unchanged in a 1922 proposal that rated both routes as "second class" under a three-tier system.<ref name="Map 1922">{{cite map|publisher=[[Texas State Highway Department]]|title=Highway Map of the State of Texas|url=http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/cgi-bin/aris/maps/maplookup.php?mapnum=6184|edition=December 1, 1922|scale=1"=20 mi.|access-date=July 21, 2010}}</ref>
On November 19, 1917, an intercounty highway from Austin through [[Johnson City, Texas|Johnson City]] to [[Fredericksburg, Texas|Fredericksburg]] was designated.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://publicdocs.txdot.gov/minord/MinuteOrderDocLib/003676739.pdf|title=TxDOT Minute Order 003676739}}</ref> On January 20, 1919, this was changed to an auxiliary route of Highway 20, Highway 20A.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://publicdocs.txdot.gov/minord/MinuteOrderDocLib/003676785.pdf|title=TxDOT Minute Order 003676785}}</ref><ref name="Map 1919">{{cite map|publisher=[[Texas State Highway Department]]|title=Highway Map, State of Texas|url=http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/cgi-bin/aris/maps/maplookup.php?mapnum=6183|edition=October 1, 1919|scale=1"=25 mi.|access-date=July 21, 2010}}</ref> The highway routes remained unchanged in a 1922 proposal that rated both routes as "second class" under a three-tier system.<ref name="Map 1922">{{cite map|publisher=[[Texas State Highway Department]]|title=Highway Map of the State of Texas|url=http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/cgi-bin/aris/maps/maplookup.php?mapnum=6184|edition=December 1, 1922|scale=1"=20 mi.|access-date=July 21, 2010}}</ref>


On August 21, 1923, SH 20 in the new highway system was routed over the previously proposed Highway 20A from Fredericksburg to Austin and then over the proposed Highway 20 to Hempstead as a second class highway. The old route to [[Leander, Texas|Leander]] was cancelled, and northwest of there became part of [[Texas State Highway 43|SH 43]] when it was extended southwest. In 1924, the state highway department assumed responsibility to maintain all state highways which were previously maintained by the counties. The following year, state lawmakers vest the department with the authority to acquire right of way, survey, plan, and build highways.<ref name="TxDOT history">{{cite web|url=http://www.dot.state.tx.us/about_us/1930_1917.htm|title=TxDOT History: 1917–1930|publisher=[[Texas Department of Transportation]]|access-date=July 21, 2010}}</ref> On August 10, 1925, SH 20 was given a third class extension to [[Kerrville, Texas|Kerrville]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://publicdocs.txdot.gov/minord/MinuteOrderDocLib/003676912.pdf|title=TxDOT Minute Order 003676912}}</ref> On February 20, 1928, SH 20 was given an auxiliary route SH 20A from Fredericksburg to a point on the highway between Kerrville and [[Junction, Texas|Junction]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://publicdocs.txdot.gov/minord/MinuteOrderDocLib/003676988.pdf|title=TxDOT Minute Order 003676988}}</ref> All of the highway from Fredericksburg to Hempstead was classified as a "secondary federal highway". The portion between Fredericksburg and Kerrville along with the new auxiliary route were classified as "state highways" eligible for state aid only.<ref name="Map 1928">{{cite map|publisher=[[Texas State Highway Commission]]|title=Official Highway Map of Texas|url=http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/cgi-bin/aris/maps/maplookup.php?mapnum=7990|orig-year=1928|date=March 1, 1929 |edition=Revised |scale=1⅛"=20 mi.|access-date=July 21, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120510021731/https://www.tsl.state.tx.us/cgi-bin/aris/maps/maplookup.php?mapnum=7990|archive-date=May 10, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
On August 21, 1923, SH&nbsp;20 in the new highway system was routed over the previously proposed Highway 20A from Fredericksburg to Austin and then over the proposed Highway&nbsp;20 to Hempstead as a second class highway. The old route to [[Leander, Texas|Leander]] was cancelled, and northwest of there became part of [[Texas State Highway 43|SH&nbsp;43]] when it was extended southwest. In 1924, the state highway department assumed responsibility to maintain all state highways which were previously maintained by the counties. The following year, state lawmakers vest the department with the authority to acquire right of way, survey, plan, and build highways.<ref name="TxDOT history">{{cite web|url=http://www.dot.state.tx.us/about_us/1930_1917.htm|title=TxDOT History: 1917–1930|publisher=[[Texas Department of Transportation]]|access-date=July 21, 2010}}</ref> On August 10, 1925, SH&nbsp;20 was given a third class extension to [[Kerrville, Texas|Kerrville]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://publicdocs.txdot.gov/minord/MinuteOrderDocLib/003676912.pdf|title=TxDOT Minute Order 003676912}}</ref> On February 20, 1928, SH&nbsp;20 was given an auxiliary route SH&nbsp;20A from Fredericksburg to a point on the highway between Kerrville and [[Junction, Texas|Junction]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://publicdocs.txdot.gov/minord/MinuteOrderDocLib/003676988.pdf|title=TxDOT Minute Order 003676988}}</ref> All of the highway from Fredericksburg to Hempstead was classified as a "secondary federal highway". The portion between Fredericksburg and Kerrville along with the new auxiliary route were classified as "state highways" eligible for state aid only.<ref name="Map 1928">{{cite map|publisher=[[Texas State Highway Commission]]|title=Official Highway Map of Texas|url=http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/cgi-bin/aris/maps/maplookup.php?mapnum=7990|orig-year=1928|date=March 1, 1929 |edition=Revised |scale=1⅛"=20 mi.|access-date=July 21, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120510021731/https://www.tsl.state.tx.us/cgi-bin/aris/maps/maplookup.php?mapnum=7990|archive-date=May 10, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref>


On March 19, 1930, the SH 20 designation was dropped over the Fredericksburg to Kerrville highway (replaced by an extended [[Texas State Highway 81|SH 81]]) and extended instead over the auxiliary route SH 20A. In 1933 the road was described between Fredericksburg and Hempstead as paved except for the portion in [[Hays County, Texas|Hays County]] around [[Dripping Springs, Texas|Dripping Springs]] and a short portion west of [[Elgin, Texas|Elgin]] that were described as surfaced. The portion west of Fredericksburg toward Junction was graded earth.<ref name="Map 1933">{{cite map|publisher=[[Texas State Highway Commission]]|title=Official Map of the Highway System of Texas|url=http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/cgi-bin/aris/maps/maplookup.php?mapnum=6188|edition=June 15, 1933|cartography=R. M. Stene|scale=⅞"=30 mi.|section=M16-N24|access-date=July 21, 2010|archive-date=June 6, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606065938/http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/cgi-bin/aris/maps/maplookup.php?mapnum=6188|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 1935, US 290 was routed over SH 20 except for the portion between Austin and [[Paige, Texas|Paige]] where US 290 was routed further south through [[Bastrop, Texas|Bastrop]].<ref name="US 290">{{TxDOT|US|290|access-date=July 21, 2010}}</ref> By 1936, the formerly surfaced portion west of Elgin had been paved, but the Hays County portion remained merely surfaced. West of Fredericksburg, the [[Gillespie County, Texas|Gillespie County]] portion had been surfaced while the [[Kimble County, Texas|Kimble County]] portion remained as an improved earth road.<ref name="Map 1936">{{cite map|publisher=[[Texas State Highway Commission]]|title=Official Map of the Highway System of Texas|url=http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/cgi-bin/aris/maps/maplookup.php?mapnum=6193|edition=Centennial|date=March 1, 1936 |version=Corrected |cartography=R. M. Stene|scale=1"=29 mi.|access-date=July 21, 2010}}</ref> On September 26, 1939, the SH 20 designation was dropped along all portions of the route running along US 290 as a result of that day's general redescription of the state highway system, leaving SH 20 as a greatly shortened route running from Austin to US 290 near Paige. On May 23, 1951, US 290 was relocated away from Bastrop northward along SH 20 which was then decommissioned.<ref name="SH 20">{{TxDOT|SH|20|access-date=July 21, 2010}}</ref>
On March 19, 1930, the SH&nbsp;20 designation was dropped over the Fredericksburg to Kerrville highway (replaced by an extended [[Texas State Highway 81|SH&nbsp;81]]) and extended instead over the auxiliary route SH&nbsp;20A. In 1933 the road was described between Fredericksburg and Hempstead as paved except for the portion in [[Hays County, Texas|Hays County]] around [[Dripping Springs, Texas|Dripping Springs]] and a short portion west of [[Elgin, Texas|Elgin]] that were described as surfaced. The portion west of Fredericksburg toward Junction was graded earth.<ref name="Map 1933">{{cite map|publisher=[[Texas State Highway Commission]]|title=Official Map of the Highway System of Texas|url=http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/cgi-bin/aris/maps/maplookup.php?mapnum=6188|edition=June 15, 1933|cartography=R. M. Stene|scale=⅞"=30 mi.|section=M16-N24|access-date=July 21, 2010|archive-date=June 6, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606065938/http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/cgi-bin/aris/maps/maplookup.php?mapnum=6188|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 1935, US 290 was routed over SH&nbsp;20 except for the portion between Austin and [[Paige, Texas|Paige]] where US 290 was routed further south through [[Bastrop, Texas|Bastrop]].<ref name="US 290">{{TxDOT|US|290|access-date=July 21, 2010}}</ref> By 1936, the formerly surfaced portion west of Elgin had been paved, but the Hays County portion remained merely surfaced. West of Fredericksburg, the [[Gillespie County, Texas|Gillespie County]] portion had been surfaced while the [[Kimble County, Texas|Kimble County]] portion remained as an improved earth road.<ref name="Map 1936">{{cite map|publisher=[[Texas State Highway Commission]]|title=Official Map of the Highway System of Texas|url=http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/cgi-bin/aris/maps/maplookup.php?mapnum=6193|edition=Centennial|date=March 1, 1936 |version=Corrected |cartography=R. M. Stene|scale=1"=29 mi.|access-date=July 21, 2010}}</ref> On September 26, 1939, the SH&nbsp;20 designation was dropped along all portions of the route running along US&nbsp;290 as a result of that day's general redescription of the state highway system, leaving SH&nbsp;20 as a greatly shortened route running from Austin to US&nbsp;290 near Paige. On May 23, 1951, US&nbsp;290 was relocated away from Bastrop northward along SH&nbsp;20 which was then decommissioned.<ref name="SH&nbsp;20">{{TxDOT|SH|20|access-date=July 21, 2010}}</ref>


===Other original routings===
===Other original routings===
In its original designation in the late 1920s, US 290 traveled from an intersection with [[U.S. Route 80 in Texas|US 80]] northwest of [[Scroggins Draw, Texas|Scroggins Draw]] to an eastern terminus in [[San Antonio]]. On March 1, 1935, US 290 was re-routed further north to terminate in Houston, and the previous alignment from Fredericksburg to San Antonio was redesignated as [[U.S. Route 87 in Texas|US 87]].<ref name="TXDOT US 290"/><ref name="TXDOT US 87">{{TxDOT|US|87|access-date=August 9, 2013}}</ref> Following the 1935 re-routing, US 290 traveled through much of its present-day routing, with the exception of a designation traveling through Austin and [[Bastrop, Texas|Bastrop]] before following the [[Old San Antonio Road]] to Paige. On May 23, 1951, US 290 was rerouted further north to Elgin, while the original routing was transferred to SH 71 from Austin to Bastrop, and SH 21 from Bastrop to Paige.<ref name="TxDOT SH 21">{{TxDOT|SH|21|access-date=September 23, 2019}}</ref><ref name="TxDOT SH 71">{{TxDOT|SH|71|access-date=September 23, 2019}}</ref>
In its original designation in the late 1920s, US&nbsp;290 traveled from an intersection with [[U.S. Route 80 in Texas|US&nbsp;80]] northwest of [[Scroggins Draw, Texas|Scroggins Draw]] to an eastern terminus in [[San Antonio]]. On March 1, 1935, US&nbsp;290 was re-routed further north to terminate in Houston, and the previous alignment from Fredericksburg to San Antonio was redesignated as [[U.S. Route 87 in Texas|US&nbsp;87]].<ref name="TXDOT US 290"/><ref name="TXDOT US 87">{{TxDOT|US|87|access-date=August 9, 2013}}</ref> Following the 1935 re-routing, US&nbsp;290 traveled through much of its present-day routing, with the exception of a designation traveling through Austin and [[Bastrop, Texas|Bastrop]] before following the [[Old San Antonio Road]] to Paige. On May 23, 1951, US&nbsp;290 was rerouted further north to Elgin, while the original routing was transferred to SH 71 from Austin to Bastrop, and SH 21 from Bastrop to Paige.<ref name="TxDOT SH 21">{{TxDOT|SH|21|access-date=September 23, 2019}}</ref><ref name="TxDOT SH 71">{{TxDOT|SH|71|access-date=September 23, 2019}}</ref>


Through Austin, US 290 originally followed Lamar Boulevard and Cesar Chavez Street to I-35 (then [[U.S. Route 81 in Texas|US 81]]). On May 30, 1951, US 290 and SH 71 were both rerouted onto their present-day designations on Ben White Boulevard, and the old designations were transferred to [[Texas State Highway Loop 343|Loop 343]].<ref name="TX LOOP 343">{{TxDOT|SL|343|access-date=September 24, 2019}}</ref>
Through Austin, US&nbsp;290 originally followed Lamar Boulevard and Cesar Chavez Street to I-35 (then [[U.S. Route 81 in Texas|US&nbsp;81]]). On May 30, 1951, US&nbsp;290 and SH&nbsp;71 were both rerouted onto their present-day designations on Ben White Boulevard, and the old designations were transferred to [[Texas State Highway Loop 343|Loop&nbsp;343]].<ref name="TX LOOP 343">{{TxDOT|SL|343|access-date=September 24, 2019}}</ref>


On November 21, 1991, the US 290 designation was deleted between Scroggins Draw and its current western terminus southeast of Segovia due to being supplanted by I-10. Much of the old route near [[Sheffield, Texas|Sheffield]] became [[Texas State Highway 290|SH 290]]. Other former alignments that are part of the state highway system include the [[Fort Stockton, Texas|Fort Stockton]] and [[Balmorhea, Texas|Balmorhea]] [[business routes of Interstate 10]], [[Ranch to Market Road 1312|RM 1312]] between [[Ozona, Texas|Ozona]] and [[Sonora, Texas|Sonora]], [[Ranch to Market Road 3130|RM 3130]] between Sonora and [[Roosevelt, Kimble County, Texas|Roosevelt]], and [[Ranch to Market Road 1674|RM 1674]] between Roosevelt and [[Junction, Texas|Junction]].<ref name="TXDOT US 290"/><ref name="TxDOT SH 290">{{TxDOT|SH|290|access-date=August 9, 2013}}</ref><ref name="TxDOT BI 10-F">{{TxDOT|BI|10|F|access-date=August 9, 2013}}</ref><ref name="TxDOT BI 10-G">{{TxDOT|BI|10|G|access-date=August 9, 2013}}</ref><ref name="TxDOT RM 1312">{{TxDOT|RM|1312|access-date=August 9, 2013}}</ref><ref name="TxDOT RM 3130">{{TxDOT|RM|3130|access-date=August 30, 2019}}</ref><ref name="TxDOT RM 1674">{{TxDOT|RM|1674|access-date=August 30, 2019}}</ref>
On November 21, 1991, the US&nbsp;290 designation was deleted between Scroggins Draw and its current western terminus southeast of Segovia due to being supplanted by I-10. Much of the old route near [[Sheffield, Texas|Sheffield]] became [[Texas State Highway 290|SH 290]]. Other former alignments that are part of the state highway system include the [[Fort Stockton, Texas|Fort Stockton]] and [[Balmorhea, Texas|Balmorhea]] [[business routes of Interstate 10]], [[Ranch to Market Road 1312|RM 1312]] between [[Ozona, Texas|Ozona]] and [[Sonora, Texas|Sonora]], [[Ranch to Market Road 3130|RM 3130]] between Sonora and [[Roosevelt, Kimble County, Texas|Roosevelt]], and [[Ranch to Market Road 1674|RM 1674]] between Roosevelt and [[Junction, Texas|Junction]].<ref name="TXDOT US 290"/><ref name="TxDOT SH 290">{{TxDOT|SH|290|access-date=August 9, 2013}}</ref><ref name="TxDOT BI 10-F">{{TxDOT|BI|10|F|access-date=August 9, 2013}}</ref><ref name="TxDOT BI 10-G">{{TxDOT|BI|10|G|access-date=August 9, 2013}}</ref><ref name="TxDOT RM 1312">{{TxDOT|RM|1312|access-date=August 9, 2013}}</ref><ref name="TxDOT RM 3130">{{TxDOT|RM|3130|access-date=August 30, 2019}}</ref><ref name="TxDOT RM 1674">{{TxDOT|RM|1674|access-date=August 30, 2019}}</ref>


===Freeway upgrades in later years===
===Freeway upgrades in later years===
Line 88: Line 88:
}}
}}
[[Image:Us290_and_I35_austin.jpg|thumb|left|175px|The [[Interstate 35 in Texas|I-35]] and US 290 junction in [[Austin, Texas|Austin.]]]]
[[Image:Us290_and_I35_austin.jpg|thumb|left|175px|The [[Interstate 35 in Texas|I-35]] and US 290 junction in [[Austin, Texas|Austin.]]]]
In Austin, US 290 initially received two different freeway upgrades; the first took place circa the 1970s from the north interchange with I-35 near Highland Mall to US 183 east of the Coronado Hills district, while the second took place in the late 1990s and early 2000s from the Williamson Creek crossing in the Oak Hill district to the south interchange with I-35 near St. Edward's University.<ref>{{cite news|publisher=Austin Daily Texan|title=Construction to cause road-closure on I-35|work=newspaper|date=August 1, 2000|page=6}}</ref> In 2012, the [[Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority]] began constructing a third freeway upgrade from the existing interchange with US 183 to the crossing at Gilleland Creek west of Manor; this designation, known as the Manor Expressway, was completed on May 17, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|title=290 East Manor Expressway Toll Road|url=http://www.mobilityauthority.com/information/manor-expressway.php|publisher=CTRMA|access-date=October 19, 2011}}</ref>
In Austin, US&nbsp;290 initially received two different freeway upgrades; the first took place circa the 1970s from the north interchange with I-35 near Highland Mall to US&nbsp;183 east of the Coronado Hills district, while the second took place in the late 1990s and early 2000s from the Williamson Creek crossing in the Oak Hill district to the south interchange with I-35 near St. Edward's University.<ref>{{cite news|publisher=Austin Daily Texan|title=Construction to cause road-closure on I-35|work=newspaper|date=August 1, 2000|page=6}}</ref> In 2012, the [[Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority]] began constructing a third freeway upgrade from the existing interchange with US&nbsp;183 to the crossing at Gilleland Creek west of Manor; this designation, known as the Manor Expressway, was completed on May 17, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|title=290 East Manor Expressway Toll Road|url=http://www.mobilityauthority.com/information/manor-expressway.php|publisher=CTRMA|access-date=October 19, 2011}}</ref>


====Houston====
====Houston====
Prior to construction of the Northwest Freeway, US 290 through Houston followed Hempstead Highway, which runs parallel to the freeway approximately one-half mile to the southwest. The eastern terminus of US 290 was also approximately one mile to the southeast at the intersection of Hempstead Highway, Washington Avenue and Old Katy Road.
Prior to construction of the Northwest Freeway, US&nbsp;290 through Houston followed Hempstead Highway, which runs parallel to the freeway approximately one-half mile to the southwest. The eastern terminus of US&nbsp;290 was also approximately one mile to the southeast at the intersection of Hempstead Highway, Washington Avenue and Old Katy Road.


The interchange with [[Interstate 610 (Texas)|I-610]] and first part of [[frontage road]]s opened in 1963. The first freeway section opened in 1975. In 1982, freeway main lanes completed to just inside [[Texas State Highway Beltway 8|Beltway 8]]. In 1990, the [[stack interchange]] with Beltway 8 were completed. From 1984 to 2005, the main lanes outside Beltway 8 were completed.<ref name="Houston Freeways">[http://www.oscarmail.net/houstonfreeways/ebook/CH4_spokes_pp184-271_72.pdf Houston Freeways]</ref>
The interchange with [[Interstate 610 (Texas)|I-610]] and first part of [[frontage road]]s opened in 1963. The first freeway section opened in 1975. In 1982, freeway main lanes completed to just inside [[Texas State Highway Beltway 8|Beltway&nbsp;8]]. In 1990, the [[stack interchange]] with Beltway 8 were completed. From 1984 to 2005, the main lanes outside Beltway 8 were completed.<ref name="Houston Freeways">[http://www.oscarmail.net/houstonfreeways/ebook/CH4_spokes_pp184-271_72.pdf Houston Freeways]</ref>


The freeway was constructed to only three lanes in each direction, but a major investment study in 2002 requested expansion to five lanes in each direction inside Beltway 8 and four lanes in each direction from Beltway 8 to the then-proposed [[Texas State Highway 99|SH 99]].<ref name="Houston Freeways"/>
The freeway was constructed to only three lanes in each direction, but a major investment study in 2002 requested expansion to five lanes in each direction inside Beltway&nbsp;8 and four lanes in each direction from Beltway&nbsp;8 to the then-proposed [[Texas State Highway 99|SH&nbsp;99]].<ref name="Houston Freeways"/>


==Future==
==Future==
In 2011, two members of the [[U.S. House of Representatives]], [[John Culberson]] and [[Michael T. McCaul]], asked TxDOT to advocate for the relabeling of US 290 as an interstate highway.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.chron.com/neighborhood/cyfair-news/article/Officials-favoring-upgrade-by-TXDOT-2180292.php |title=Officials favoring upgrade by TXDOT |author=Foster, Robin |date=September 20, 2011|work=[[Houston Chronicle]]|access-date=October 1, 2011}}</ref>
In 2011, two members of the [[U.S. House of Representatives]], [[John Culberson]] and [[Michael T. McCaul]], asked TxDOT to advocate for the relabeling of US&nbsp;290 as an interstate highway.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.chron.com/neighborhood/cyfair-news/article/Officials-favoring-upgrade-by-TXDOT-2180292.php |title=Officials favoring upgrade by TXDOT |author=Foster, Robin |date=September 20, 2011|work=[[Houston Chronicle]]|access-date=October 1, 2011}}</ref>


Due to heavy congestion on US 290 in Austin's Oak Hill district, in 2022 CTRMA began upgrading US 290 to a freeway between the east intersection of Circle Drive and the existing end of the current freeway at Old Fredericksburg Road;<ref name="oakhillparkway">{{cite web|url=https://www.oakhillparkway.com/about|title=About the Oak Hill Parkway - Oak Hill Parkway|publisher=CTRMA|access-date=September 20, 2019}}</ref> this expansion is known as the Oak Hill Parkway.
Due to heavy congestion on US&nbsp;290 in Austin's Oak Hill district, in 2022 CTRMA began upgrading US&nbsp;290 to a freeway between the east intersection of Circle Drive and the existing end of the current freeway at Old Fredericksburg Road;<ref name="oakhillparkway">{{cite web|url=https://www.oakhillparkway.com/about|title=About the Oak Hill Parkway - Oak Hill Parkway|publisher=CTRMA|access-date=September 20, 2019}}</ref> this expansion is known as the Oak Hill Parkway.


In Houston, the [[Harris County Toll Road Authority]] is planning to construct toll managed lanes along and adjacent to the US 290 right-of-way, to be called the Hempstead Tollway.<ref name="Houston Freeways"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hctra.org/about_construction2/hempsteadus-290-managed-lanes.html|title=Hempstead/US 290 Managed Lanes|publisher=HCTRA|access-date=October 19, 2011}}</ref>{{Clear}}
In Houston, the [[Harris County Toll Road Authority]] is planning to construct toll managed lanes along and adjacent to the US&nbsp;290 right-of-way, to be called the Hempstead Tollway.<ref name="Houston Freeways"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hctra.org/about_construction2/hempsteadus-290-managed-lanes.html|title=Hempstead/US 290 Managed Lanes|publisher=HCTRA|access-date=October 19, 2011}}</ref>{{Clear}}


==Major intersections==
==Major intersections==
Line 148: Line 148:
|line=y
|line=y
|road={{jct|state=TX|US|87|dir1=north|city1=Mason}}
|road={{jct|state=TX|US|87|dir1=north|city1=Mason}}
|notes=West end of US 87 overlap; route follows US 87's mileage
|notes=West end of US 87 overlap; route follows US&nbsp;87's mileage
}}
}}
{{TXint
{{TXint
Line 230: Line 230:
|line=y
|line=y
|road={{jct|state=TX|US|281|dir1=north|city1=Marble Falls|city2=Burnet}}
|road={{jct|state=TX|US|281|dir1=north|city1=Marble Falls|city2=Burnet}}
|notes=West end of US 281 overlap; route follows US 281's mileage
|notes=West end of US 281 overlap; route follows US&nbsp;281's mileage
}}
}}
{{TXint
{{TXint
Line 863: Line 863:
|mile2=267.251
|mile2=267.251
|road={{jct|state=TX|Beltway|8|name1=Frontage Road}}
|road={{jct|state=TX|Beltway|8|name1=Frontage Road}}
|notes=Beltway 8 signed at FM 529 / Senate Avenue eastbound and Little York Road / Gessner Road westbound
|notes=Beltway&nbsp;8 signed at FM 529 / Senate Avenue eastbound and Little York Road / Gessner Road westbound
}}
}}
{{TXint
{{TXint
Line 938: Line 938:


==Business routes==
==Business routes==
US 290 currently has three [[business route]]s and one former loop.
US&nbsp;290 currently has three [[business route]]s and one former loop.


===Dripping Springs===
===Dripping Springs===
Line 951: Line 951:
|deleted=June 27, 2003
|deleted=June 27, 2003
}}
}}
'''Loop 64''' is a former business loop of US 290 through the town of [[Dripping Springs, Texas|Dripping Springs]]. The highway was designated in 1958 along the former route of US 290 through the town along Mercer Street when the main highway was re-routed two blocks to the south. Loop 64 was removed from the state highway system in 2003 and returned to the city of Dripping Springs for maintenance.<ref name=<ref name="Loop 64"/>
'''Loop 64''' is a former business loop of US&nbsp;290 through the town of [[Dripping Springs, Texas|Dripping Springs]]. The highway was designated in 1958 along the former route of US 290 through the town along Mercer Street when the main highway was re-routed two blocks to the south. Loop 64 was removed from the state highway system in 2003 and returned to the city of Dripping Springs for maintenance.<ref name=<ref name="Loop 64"/>


The Loop 64 designation was previously used for a highway in [[Henderson County, Texas|Henderson County]]. This Loop 64 was designated in 1939, running from [[Texas State Highway 31|SH 31]] southeast to a point on the [[St. Louis Southwestern Railway of Texas|St. Louis Southwestern Railroad]] in [[Trinidad, Texas|Trinidad]]. The highway was cancelled and combined with [[Farm to Market Road 764|FM 764]] in 1948.<ref>{{TxDOT|FM|764|access-date=December 19, 2020|link=no}}</ref>
The Loop 64 designation was previously used for a highway in [[Henderson County, Texas|Henderson County]]. This Loop 64 was designated in 1939, running from [[Texas State Highway 31|SH 31]] southeast to a point on the [[St. Louis Southwestern Railway of Texas|St. Louis Southwestern Railroad]] in [[Trinidad, Texas|Trinidad]]. The highway was cancelled and combined with [[Farm to Market Road 764|FM 764]] in 1948.<ref>{{TxDOT|FM|764|access-date=December 19, 2020|link=no}}</ref>
Line 960: Line 960:
|type=US-Bus
|type=US-Bus
|route=290
|route=290
|name=Business US Route 290-F
|name=Business US Highway 290-F
|location=[[Brenham, Texas|Brenham]]
|location=[[Brenham, Texas|Brenham]]
|length_mi=4.590
|length_mi=4.590
Line 967: Line 967:
|formed=1990
|formed=1990
}}
}}
'''Business U.S. Route 290-F (Bus. US 290)''' is the original routing of US 290 through the town of [[Brenham, Texas|Brenham]]. The route is {{convert|4.59|mi|km}} in length. The route was designated as '''Loop 318''' throughout its entire length on January 18, 1960. On February 28, 1973, the section from then-SH 90 westward became part of SH 105. It was established in 1990 when the mainline of US 290 was rerouted along with [[Texas State Highway 36|SH 36]] around the western and southern sides of Brenham.<ref name="TxDOT BU 290-F"/> The routing begins to the west of town at an intersection with SH 36. The business route continues east into downtown on Main Street. Before reaching downtown, the route splits into two parallel one-way streets: Main Street carrying westbound traffic and Alamo Street carrying eastbound traffic. It passes through downtown, meeting the business routing of State Highway 36 and the western terminus of [[Texas State Highway 105|SH 105]]. At this intersection, the business route turns south on Market Street, and continues out of Brenham, rejoining the mainline US 290 near an intersection with [[Farm to Market Road 577|FM 577]].<ref name="Mapbook 1646">{{Texas Mapbook|page=1646|year=2018|link=no|access-date=December 23, 2022}}</ref>
'''Business U.S. Highway 290-F (Bus. US&nbsp;290)''' is the original routing of US&nbsp;290 through the town of [[Brenham, Texas|Brenham]]. The route is {{convert|4.59|mi|km}} in length. The route was designated as '''Loop 318''' throughout its entire length on January 18, 1960. On February 28, 1973, the section from then-SH 90 westward became part of SH 105. It was established in 1990 when the mainline of US&nbsp;290 was rerouted along with [[Texas State Highway 36|SH&nbsp;36]] around the western and southern sides of Brenham.<ref name="TxDOT BU 290-F"/> The routing begins to the west of town at an intersection with SH&nbsp;36. The business route continues east into downtown on Main Street. Before reaching downtown, the route splits into two parallel one-way streets: Main Street carrying westbound traffic and Alamo Street carrying eastbound traffic. It passes through downtown, meeting the business routing of State Highway 36 and the western terminus of [[Texas State Highway 105|SH&nbsp;105]]. At this intersection, the business route turns south on Market Street, and continues out of Brenham, rejoining the mainline US&nbsp;290 near an intersection with [[Farm to Market Road 577|FM&nbsp;577]].<ref name="Mapbook 1646">{{Texas Mapbook|page=1646|year=2018|link=no|access-date=December 23, 2022}}</ref>
{{-}}
{{-}}
===Hempstead–Hockley===
===Hempstead–Hockley===
Line 974: Line 974:
|type=US-Bus
|type=US-Bus
|route=290
|route=290
|name=Business US Route 290-H
|name=Business US Highway 290-H
|location=[[Hempstead, Texas|Hempstead]]–[[Hockley, Texas|Hockley]]
|location=[[Hempstead, Texas|Hempstead]]–[[Hockley, Texas|Hockley]]
|length_mi=16.991
|length_mi=16.991
Line 981: Line 981:
|formed=1995
|formed=1995
}}
}}
'''Business U.S. Route 290-H (Bus. US 290)''' is the original routing of US 290 through the towns of [[Hempstead, Texas|Hempstead]], [[Waller, Texas|Waller]], and [[Hockley, Texas|Hockley]]. This route was designated between 1995 and 1998 in stages as a limited-access bypass route was constructed to the north of these towns.<ref name="TxDOT BU 290-H">{{TxDOT|BU|290|H|access-date=August 10, 2013}}</ref> It begins at the interchange with US 290 and SH 6 and travels south into Hempstead along 10th Street.<ref name="Mapbook 1647">{{Texas Mapbook|page=1647|year=2018|link=no|access-date=December 23, 2022}}</ref><ref name="Mapbook 1648">{{Texas Mapbook|page=1648|year=2018|link=no|access-date=December 23, 2022}}</ref> At an intersection with [[Texas State Highway 159|SH 159]], the business route turns east onto Austin Street and subsequently runs parallel to the adjacent railroad after leaving Hempstead city limits. It intersects several amenities in [[Prairie View, Texas|Prairie View]] before serving downtown Waller while designated as Hempstead Road.<ref name="Mapbook 1698">{{Texas Mapbook|page=1698|year=2018|link=no|access-date=December 23, 2022}}</ref><ref name="Mapbook 1699">{{Texas Mapbook|page=1699|year=2018|link=no|access-date=December 23, 2022}}</ref> After passing through several industrial facilities and serving downtown Hockley, the business route becomes US 290's southbound frontage road just prior to the interchange with Badtke Road.
'''Business U.S. Highway 290-H (Bus. US&nbsp;290)''' is the original routing of US&nbsp;290 through the towns of [[Hempstead, Texas|Hempstead]], [[Waller, Texas|Waller]], and [[Hockley, Texas|Hockley]]. This route was designated between 1995 and 1998 in stages as a limited-access bypass route was constructed to the north of these towns.<ref name="TxDOT BU 290-H">{{TxDOT|BU|290|H|access-date=August 10, 2013}}</ref> It begins at the interchange with US&nbsp;290 and SH&nbsp;6 and travels south into Hempstead along 10th Street.<ref name="Mapbook 1647">{{Texas Mapbook|page=1647|year=2018|link=no|access-date=December 23, 2022}}</ref><ref name="Mapbook 1648">{{Texas Mapbook|page=1648|year=2018|link=no|access-date=December 23, 2022}}</ref> At an intersection with [[Texas State Highway 159|SH&nbsp;159]], the business route turns east onto Austin Street and subsequently runs parallel to the adjacent railroad after leaving Hempstead city limits. It intersects several amenities in [[Prairie View, Texas|Prairie View]] before serving downtown Waller while designated as Hempstead Road.<ref name="Mapbook 1698">{{Texas Mapbook|page=1698|year=2018|link=no|access-date=December 23, 2022}}</ref><ref name="Mapbook 1699">{{Texas Mapbook|page=1699|year=2018|link=no|access-date=December 23, 2022}}</ref> After passing through several industrial facilities and serving downtown Hockley, the business route becomes US&nbsp;290's southbound frontage road just prior to the interchange with Badtke Road.
{{-}}
{{-}}
===Cypress===
===Cypress===
Line 988: Line 988:
|type=US-Bus
|type=US-Bus
|route=290
|route=290
|name=Business US Route 290-L
|name=Business US Highway 290-L
|location=[[Cypress, Texas|Cypress]]
|location=[[Cypress, Texas|Cypress]]
|length_mi=1.396
|length_mi=1.396
Line 995: Line 995:
|formed=1993
|formed=1993
}}
}}
'''Business U.S. Route 290-L (Bus. US 290)''' is the original routing of US 290 through the town of [[Cypress, Texas|Cypress]]. The route was designated in 1993 as a limited-access bypass was built to the northeast of the original routing.<ref name="TxDOT BU 290-L">{{TxDOT|BU|290|L|access-date=August 10, 2013}}</ref> At roughly {{convert|1.3|mi|km}}, it is US 290's shortest designated business route, serving the south side of Cypress's shopping area near the Fry Road and Spring Cypress Road interchanges.<ref name="Mapbook 1750">{{Texas Mapbook|page=1750|year=2018|link=no|access-date=December 23, 2022}}</ref>
'''Business U.S. Highway 290-L (Bus. US&nbsp;290)''' is the original routing of US&nbsp;290 through the town of [[Cypress, Texas|Cypress]]. The route was designated in 1993 as a limited-access bypass was built to the northeast of the original routing.<ref name="TxDOT BU 290-L">{{TxDOT|BU|290|L|access-date=August 10, 2013}}</ref> At roughly {{convert|1.3|mi|km}}, it is US&nbsp;290's shortest designated business route, serving the south side of Cypress's shopping area near the Fry Road and Spring Cypress Road interchanges.<ref name="Mapbook 1750">{{Texas Mapbook|page=1750|year=2018|link=no|access-date=December 23, 2022}}</ref>
{{-}}
{{-}}


Revision as of 17:30, 25 September 2023

U.S. Highway 290 marker

U.S. Highway 290

Map
US 290 highlighted in red
Route information
Auxiliary route of US 90
Maintained by TxDOT
Length261.187 mi[1] (420.340 km)
Existed1927[1]–present
Major junctions
West end I-10 near Segovia
Major intersections
East end I-610 in Houston
Location
CountryUnited States
StateTexas
CountiesKimble, Gillespie, Blanco, Hays, Travis, Bastrop, Lee, Fayette, Washington, Waller, Harris
Highway system
← SH 289→ SH 290

U.S. Route 290 (US 290) is an east–west U.S. Highway located entirely within the state of Texas. Its western terminus is at Interstate 10 southeast of Segovia, and its eastern terminus is at Interstate 610 in northwest Houston.[1] It is the main highway between Houston and Austin and is a cutoff for travelers wanting to bypass San Antonio on Interstate 10. Throughout its length west of Austin, US 290 cuts across mountainous hills comprising the Texas Hill Country and the Edwards Plateau; between Austin and Houston, the highway then travels through gradually hilly grasslands and pine forests comprising the Gulf Coastal Plains.

In its original designation in 1926, US 290 originally traveled from US 80 in Scroggins Draw to terminate in San Antonio; though the highway still retains its designation from southeast of Segovia to Fredericksburg, I-10 and US 87 replaced much of the old routing in 1935. US 290 also received several minor re-routings east of Austin in 1951 that moved it further north, eliminating the old SH 20; the old routings were replaced by SH 71 and SH 21. Although, US 290 does not technically connect to its parent route of U.S. Route 90, ramps at its eastern terminus lead to US 90 and I-10.

Route description

US 290 begins from I-10 roughly 12 miles (19 km) southeast of the small town of Segovia. It begins to travel due east through rural farmlands in the Texas Hill Country before reaching Harper, where it is the main west–east road in the town.[2] Afterwards, US 290 begins making slight curves as it crosses through several creeks and tributaries amidst additional farmland, where it eventually joins US 87 and runs as Main Street through Fredericksburg. The two highways travel together for eleven blocks in downtown Fredericksburg before US 87 splits south of US 290 at an intersection directly south of the National Museum of the Pacific War.[2] Traveling due south, US 290 returns to an eastward path after crossing the Pedernales River, where it serves as a major artery for Fredericksburg's agricultural district, including Wildseed Farms.[2] The highway then runs parallel to the Pedernales River, and after passing Stonewall, serves the south side of LBJ Ranch.[2] As the Pedernales River arcs further north, US 290 continues east through several wineries before approaching Johnson City and bordering the north side of the LBJ Johnson City Unit.[2] US 290 runs along Main Street throughout downtown Johnson City as it joins US 281 and heads south.[2]

After traveling through additional hilly terrain, US 290 splits east from US 281 and twists through slopes in the Edwards Plateau, where an intersection with RM 3232 in the unincorporated community of Henly provides access to Pedernales Falls State Park. US 290 then curves south to serve downtown Dripping Springs, and then serves various residential areas as it crosses into southwest Austin.[2] The highway then begins a concurrency with SH 71 at a series of traffic lights and travels through Austin's Oak Hill district before becoming a five-to-six-lane freeway. In the community of Sunset Valley, US 290 has interchanges with Loop 1 (MoPac Expressway) and Loop 360 (Capital of Texas Highway) providing access to the Barton Creek Greenbelt, and is then designated as Ben White Boulevard while it travels through south-central Austin, crossing the UPRR Austin Subdivision railroad in the process. Shortly afterward, US 290 splits north from SH 71 in a stack interchange to run concurrent with I-35.[2]

The west end of US 290's concurrency with SH 71 is located near the Oak Hill district in Austin.

Upon beginning its concurrency with I-35, US 290 travels through the suburban Riverside and Travis Heights districts while also serving St. Edward's University. After crossing the Colorado River, I-35 and US 290 cut between downtown Austin and the East Cesar Chavez district, being the only major highways to serve the Austin Convention Center and the Texas State Capitol. Just prior to bordering the east side of the main University of Texas at Austin campus, I-35 and US 290 split into two decks for about 2 miles (3.2 km), resurfacing close to the former Mueller Airport.[2] US 290 then splits due east from I-35 southeast of the former Highland Mall as a four-lane freeway. Not long after, US 290 has an interchange with US 183 and promptly becomes a tolled freeway designated as the Manor Expressway. It then travels through much of industrial East Austin and Daffan before reverting to a four-lane divided highway after an interchange with SH 130, less than a mile shy of Manor.[2] US 290 then makes its way through rolling meadows dotted with suburban areas in northeast Travis County, then travels through southern Elgin where it forms a brief concurrency with SH 95. Passing through the town of McDade, US 290 cuts through piney woods north of the Lost Pines Forest and has an interchange with SH 21 west of Paige. US 290 continues east, running parallel to the Austin and Northwestern Railroad east branch until approaching Giddings, where the highway travels along Austin Street, intersecting US 77 near the town's center.[2]

I-610 at US 290's eastern terminus in Houston

US 290 travels southeast to Ledbetter, where it then travels through additional grassland before bounding northeast to Burton. The highway then enters Brenham, where it briefly joins SH 36 to serve Blinn College and bypass the city as a four-lane freeway. After exiting Brenham, US 290 runs parallel to the old Washington County Railroad and goes through Chappell Hill to serve every historic landmark there, then crosses the Brazos River to move through a rural auto-industrial area.[2] SH 6 joins US 290 north of Hempstead, where the two highways become a four-lane freeway notable for its role as a hurricane evacuation route. Running parallel to the Houston and Texas Central Railway from the north, US 290 finally comes right next to it roughly 3 miles (4.8 km) prior to intersecting SH 99. The highway is then designated as Northwest Freeway (legally as the Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway[3]) as it travels through the suburb of Cypress, later splitting off SH 6 to the south in the suburb of Jersey Village. Following an interchange with the Sam Houston Tollway, US 290 serves several businesses and neighborhoods in northwest Houston before terminating at an interchange with I-610 west of the Lazybrook/Timbergrove district.[2]

History

Texas State Highways 20 and 20A (1917–1951)

State Highway 20 marker

State Highway 20

LocationAustin–Paige
Existed1917–1951

On June 21, 1917, the department's Office of State Highway Engineer issued a proposal for the state highway system. The proposal included SH 20 originally planned as the Austin-Houston Highway between Austin and Houston by way of Bastrop, Giddings, Brenham, and Hempstead.[4] On July 17, 1917, the planned route was extended from Austin to Brady by way of Burnet, Llano, and Mason.[5][6] On December 17, 1918, SH 20 was rerouted away from Bastrop, with the section from Austin to Bastrop transferred to SH 3A.[7] The section of SH 20 from Hempstead to Houston was cancelled as it was already part of the Gulf Division Branch of SH 2.

State Highway 20A marker

State Highway 20A

LocationBetween Kerrville and Junction–Fredericksburg
Existed1928–1930

On November 19, 1917, an intercounty highway from Austin through Johnson City to Fredericksburg was designated.[8] On January 20, 1919, this was changed to an auxiliary route of Highway 20, Highway 20A.[9][10] The highway routes remained unchanged in a 1922 proposal that rated both routes as "second class" under a three-tier system.[11]

On August 21, 1923, SH 20 in the new highway system was routed over the previously proposed Highway 20A from Fredericksburg to Austin and then over the proposed Highway 20 to Hempstead as a second class highway. The old route to Leander was cancelled, and northwest of there became part of SH 43 when it was extended southwest. In 1924, the state highway department assumed responsibility to maintain all state highways which were previously maintained by the counties. The following year, state lawmakers vest the department with the authority to acquire right of way, survey, plan, and build highways.[12] On August 10, 1925, SH 20 was given a third class extension to Kerrville.[13] On February 20, 1928, SH 20 was given an auxiliary route SH 20A from Fredericksburg to a point on the highway between Kerrville and Junction.[14] All of the highway from Fredericksburg to Hempstead was classified as a "secondary federal highway". The portion between Fredericksburg and Kerrville along with the new auxiliary route were classified as "state highways" eligible for state aid only.[15]

On March 19, 1930, the SH 20 designation was dropped over the Fredericksburg to Kerrville highway (replaced by an extended SH 81) and extended instead over the auxiliary route SH 20A. In 1933 the road was described between Fredericksburg and Hempstead as paved except for the portion in Hays County around Dripping Springs and a short portion west of Elgin that were described as surfaced. The portion west of Fredericksburg toward Junction was graded earth.[16] In 1935, US 290 was routed over SH 20 except for the portion between Austin and Paige where US 290 was routed further south through Bastrop.[17] By 1936, the formerly surfaced portion west of Elgin had been paved, but the Hays County portion remained merely surfaced. West of Fredericksburg, the Gillespie County portion had been surfaced while the Kimble County portion remained as an improved earth road.[18] On September 26, 1939, the SH 20 designation was dropped along all portions of the route running along US 290 as a result of that day's general redescription of the state highway system, leaving SH 20 as a greatly shortened route running from Austin to US 290 near Paige. On May 23, 1951, US 290 was relocated away from Bastrop northward along SH 20 which was then decommissioned.[19]

Other original routings

In its original designation in the late 1920s, US 290 traveled from an intersection with US 80 northwest of Scroggins Draw to an eastern terminus in San Antonio. On March 1, 1935, US 290 was re-routed further north to terminate in Houston, and the previous alignment from Fredericksburg to San Antonio was redesignated as US 87.[1][20] Following the 1935 re-routing, US 290 traveled through much of its present-day routing, with the exception of a designation traveling through Austin and Bastrop before following the Old San Antonio Road to Paige. On May 23, 1951, US 290 was rerouted further north to Elgin, while the original routing was transferred to SH 71 from Austin to Bastrop, and SH 21 from Bastrop to Paige.[21][22]

Through Austin, US 290 originally followed Lamar Boulevard and Cesar Chavez Street to I-35 (then US 81). On May 30, 1951, US 290 and SH 71 were both rerouted onto their present-day designations on Ben White Boulevard, and the old designations were transferred to Loop 343.[23]

On November 21, 1991, the US 290 designation was deleted between Scroggins Draw and its current western terminus southeast of Segovia due to being supplanted by I-10. Much of the old route near Sheffield became SH 290. Other former alignments that are part of the state highway system include the Fort Stockton and Balmorhea business routes of Interstate 10, RM 1312 between Ozona and Sonora, RM 3130 between Sonora and Roosevelt, and RM 1674 between Roosevelt and Junction.[1][24][25][26][27][28][29]

Freeway upgrades in later years

Austin

290 Toll Road marker

290 Toll Road

Manor Expressway
LocationAustin–Manor
Existed2014–present
The I-35 and US 290 junction in Austin.

In Austin, US 290 initially received two different freeway upgrades; the first took place circa the 1970s from the north interchange with I-35 near Highland Mall to US 183 east of the Coronado Hills district, while the second took place in the late 1990s and early 2000s from the Williamson Creek crossing in the Oak Hill district to the south interchange with I-35 near St. Edward's University.[30] In 2012, the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority began constructing a third freeway upgrade from the existing interchange with US 183 to the crossing at Gilleland Creek west of Manor; this designation, known as the Manor Expressway, was completed on May 17, 2014.[31]

Houston

Prior to construction of the Northwest Freeway, US 290 through Houston followed Hempstead Highway, which runs parallel to the freeway approximately one-half mile to the southwest. The eastern terminus of US 290 was also approximately one mile to the southeast at the intersection of Hempstead Highway, Washington Avenue and Old Katy Road.

The interchange with I-610 and first part of frontage roads opened in 1963. The first freeway section opened in 1975. In 1982, freeway main lanes completed to just inside Beltway 8. In 1990, the stack interchange with Beltway 8 were completed. From 1984 to 2005, the main lanes outside Beltway 8 were completed.[32]

The freeway was constructed to only three lanes in each direction, but a major investment study in 2002 requested expansion to five lanes in each direction inside Beltway 8 and four lanes in each direction from Beltway 8 to the then-proposed SH 99.[32]

Future

In 2011, two members of the U.S. House of Representatives, John Culberson and Michael T. McCaul, asked TxDOT to advocate for the relabeling of US 290 as an interstate highway.[33]

Due to heavy congestion on US 290 in Austin's Oak Hill district, in 2022 CTRMA began upgrading US 290 to a freeway between the east intersection of Circle Drive and the existing end of the current freeway at Old Fredericksburg Road;[34] this expansion is known as the Oak Hill Parkway.

In Houston, the Harris County Toll Road Authority is planning to construct toll managed lanes along and adjacent to the US 290 right-of-way, to be called the Hempstead Tollway.[32][35]

Major intersections

The entire route is in Texas. All exits are unnumbered.

CountyLocationmi[36]kmDestinationsNotes
Kimble​0.0000.000 I-10 – San Antonio, JunctionWestern terminus; I-10 exit 477
​13.15821.176

 RM 479 to I-10 / FM 2169
​14.19222.840

 RM 385 north to US 377
GillespieHarper17.69228.473
 RM 783 south – Kerrville		West end of RM 783 overlap
18.04729.044

 RM 783 north / FM 2093 east – Doss		East end of RM 783 overlap
Fredericksburg39.935
586.230		64.269
943.446
 US 87 north – Mason		West end of US 87 overlap; route follows US 87's mileage
586.962944.624
 RM 965 north (Milam Street) – Enchanted Rock, Cross Mountain
587.356945.258
 SH 16 south (Adams Street) – Kerrville		West end of SH 16 overlap
587.488945.470
 SH 16 north (Llano Street) – Llano		East end of SH 16 overlap
587.746
41.437		945.885
66.686
 US 87 south (Washington Street) – San Antonio		East end of US 87 overlap
41.97367.549
 RM 1631 east (Olive Street) – Cave Creek
​46.68675.134
 RM 1376 south – Boerne
Stonewall54.83588.248
 RR 1 east
55.90389.967
 RM 1623 north		West end of RM 1623 overlap
56.14490.355
 RM 1623 east – Albert, Blanco		East end of RM 1623 overlap
​57.58192.668
 PR 52 north – Lyndon B. Johnson State & National Historic Park
Blanco​60.76497.790
 RR 1 west
​62.612100.764
 RM 1320 north – Sandy
Johnson City71.147114.500
 Spur 356 north (Nugent Avenue)
71.647
271.334		115.305
436.670
 US 281 north – Marble Falls, Burnet		West end of US 281 overlap; route follows US 281's mileage
271.516436.963
 RM 2766 east – Pedernales Falls State Park
​276.852
77.139		445.550
124.143
 US 281 south – San Antonio		East end of US 281 overlap
​86.173138.682
 RM 3232 north – Pedernales Falls State Park
HaysHenly87.508140.830
 RM 165 west – Blanco
Dripping Springs95.729154.061 RM 12 – Wimberley, San Marcos
TravisAustinCircle Drive / South View RoadIndirect westbound exit and eastbound entrance (to be signed at Scenic Brook Drive); interchange expected to open in 2026[34]
Scenic Brook DriveInterchange expected to open in 2026[34]
108.502174.617
 RM 1826 south – Driftwood, Wildflower Center		Access to Seton Southwest Hospital; interchange expected to open in 2026[34]
Convict Hill RoadInterchange expected to open in 2026[34]
109.393176.051
 SH 71 west – Lake Travis, Llano		West end of SH 71 overlap; interchange expected to open in 2026[34]
William Cannon DriveInterchange expected to open in 2026[34]
110.478–
111.146		177.797–
178.872		Old Fredericksburg Road / Harper Park DriveInterchange; west end of freeway; no direct westbound exit
111.143–
112.454		178.867–
180.977		Monterey Oaks Boulevard / Industrial Oaks Boulevard
112.001–
113.658		180.248–
182.915		 Loop 1 (MoPac Expressway) / Brodie Lane / Southwest ParkwayAccess to Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Austin
112.837–
114.175		181.594–
183.747		West Gate BoulevardNo direct westbound exit (signed at Loop 343)
113.770–
114.377		183.095–
184.072		 Loop 343 (Lamar Boulevard) / Loop 360 (Capital of Texas Highway)
112.837–
115.195		181.594–
185.388		Menchaca Road / Pack Saddle Pass / Victory DriveNo direct eastbound exit (signed at Loop 343)
112.837–
116.399		181.594–
187.326		 South First Street / Banister LaneAccess to South Austin Medical Center
115.999–
117.064		186.682–
188.396		 Loop 275 (Congress Avenue)Eastbound exit and westbound entrance
117.175
230.141		188.575
370.376

 I-35 south / SH 71 east – San Antonio, Bastrop, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport		East end of SH 71 overlap; west end of I-35 overlap; US 290 west follows exit 230
see I-35
125.539–
125.805		202.035–
202.464

 I-35 north / RM 2222 west (via Spur 69) – Waco		East end of I-35 overlap; US 290 east follows exit 238B
125.867–
127.046		202.563–
204.461		Berkman Drive / Cameron RoadEastbound exit for Berkman Drive only
126.295–
127.494		203.252–
205.182
 US 183 (Anderson Lane / Ed Bluestein Boulevard) to 183 Toll Road (Bergstrom Expressway) – Lampasas, Lockhart, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
127.312–
128.275		204.889–
206.439
 290 Toll Road beginsModule:Jct warning: "road" parameter is deprecated		Last free eastbound exit;
west end of 290 Toll Road
128.573–
129.067		206.918–
207.713		 290 Toll Road / Arterial AAccess point
129.542–
130.178		208.478–
209.501		 290 Toll Road / Giles Lane / Johnny Morris RoadAccess point
130.598–
131.166		210.177–
211.091		 290 Toll Road / FM 3177 (Decker Lane) / Harris Branch ParkwayAccess point
131.784–
132.493		212.086–
213.227		 SH 45 Toll / SH 130 Toll / 290 Toll Road – Waco, San AntonioSH 130 exit 437
132.900213.882
 FM 734 west (Parmer Lane) / Old Highway 20		Last free westbound exit before start of 290 Toll Road
Manor133.411214.704
 290 Toll Road ends		East end of 290 Toll Road
134.394216.286 Loop 212 (Murray Avenue)
135.402–
135.474		217.908–
218.024		 FM 973 / Loop 212 – Taylor, Manor
​138.684223.190
 FM 1100 east – Kimbro
BastropElgin144.420–
144.579		232.421–
232.677
 SH 95 north – Coupland, Taylor		West end of SH 95 overlap
145.858–
145.902		234.736–
234.807

 Loop 109 north to FM 1704 – Historical District
146.388–
146.425		235.589–
235.648
 SH 95 south – Bastrop		East end of SH 95 overlap
​150.247241.799
 FM 696 east – Lexington
McDade154.393248.471 Loop 223 (Waco Street) – McDade
154.781249.096
 Loop 223 south (Columbus Street) / FM 2336 – McDade, Swiftex
Paige162.394–
162.848		261.348–
262.078		 SH 21 – Bryan, Bastrop, San Marcos, CaldwellInterchange
164.351264.497 Spur 186 (Gonzales Street)
​164.664265.001
 FM 2104 south – Serbin, Smithville
LeeGiddings175.438282.340 US 77 (Main Street)
175.877283.047
 FM 141 north (Orange Street) – Dime Box
​182.261293.321
 FM 180 north – Nails Creek State Park
FayetteLedbetter184.462296.863
 FM 1291 south – Fayetteville
Carmine190.899307.222
 Spur 458 south – Round Top
Washington​194.145–
194.637		312.446–
313.238
 SH 237 south – Roundtop, La Grange		Interchange
​195.449314.545
 FM 2502 south – Greenvine
Burton196.592316.384
 FM 390 east – Burton
​197.590317.990
 Spur 125 west – Burton, Cotton Gin Museum
​199.990321.853
 FM 1948 north
​204.659329.367
 FM 2679 north – Zionsville
Brenham208.134–
208.463		334.959–
335.489


 Bus. US 290 east / SH 36 north – Brenham, Somerville		interchange; west end of SH 36 overlap; west end of freeway
208.717335.897Old Mill Creek Road
208.910–
209.369		336.208–
336.947		 FM 389 (Prairie Lea Street) – Blinn College, Industrial Park
210.021337.996Lubbock Street / Industrial BoulevardWestbound exit and eastbound entrance
209.602–
211.728		337.322–
340.743


 SH 36 south / Bus. SH 36 north (Day Street) – Bellville		East end of SH 36 overlap
210.486–
212.406		338.744–
341.834

 Bus. US 290 west / FM 577		Interchange; east end of freeway
​217.205349.558
 FM 2447 east
​218.351351.402
 FM 1371 south
​218.782352.095 FM 1155 – Washington
​219.859353.829
 FM 1371 south
Waller​228.701368.059
 FM 1736 east
Hempstead229.596–
230.474		369.499–
370.912
 SH 6 north (US 290 Bus. east) – College Station, Bryan, Hempstead		Interchange; west end of SH 6 overlap; west end of freeway
231.308–
232.181		372.254–
373.659		 FM 1488 – Hempstead, Magnolia
​232.754374.581 FM 359 – BrookshireNo direct eastbound exit (signed at FM 1488)
Prairie View233.966–
234.648		376.532–
377.629		Liendo Parkway
Richards Road
235.816–
236.026		379.509–
379.847		 FM 1098 – Prairie View
​237.181–
237.943		381.706–
382.932		James Muse Parkway
​238.786–
239.469		384.289–
385.388		 FM 362
HarrisWaller239.543–
240.721		385.507–
387.403		Field Store Road
240.959–
241.149		387.786–
388.092		 FM 2920 – Waller, Tomball, Klein, Spring
241.628–
242.214		388.863–
389.806		Binford Road
Hockley242.799–
243.499		390.747–
391.874		Kickapoo Road
244.031–
244.656		392.730–
393.736		Kermier Road
245.355–
246.137		394.861–
396.119		Hegar Road
​246.372–
247.107		396.497–
397.680		Badtke Road / Betka RoadBetka Road unsigned
​247.325–
248.241		398.031–
399.505		Roberts Road / Katy Hockley Road
​248.472–
248.884		399.877–
400.540		Becker Road
​249.125–
250.669		400.928–
403.413		Bauer RoadNo westbound entrance
​249.753–
251.309		401.938–
404.443		 SH 99 Toll (Grand Parkway)Interchange
Cypress250.538–
252.388		403.202–
406.179		Fairfield Place DriveWestbound access only; no eastbound exit or entrance
251.726–
253.146		405.114–
407.399		Mason Road
253.269–
254.166		407.597–
409.041		Mueschke Road
254.442–
256.260		409.485–
412.410		Cypress-Rosehill Road / Fry Road / Spring-Cypress Road
255.761–
257.702		411.607–
414.731		Skinner RoadSigned with Barker-Cypress Road westbound
​256.698–
258.793		413.115–
416.487		Barker-Cypress Road / Skinner Road
​258.031–
259.996		415.261–
418.423		Telge Road
​259.049–
261.596		416.899–
420.998		 Hempstead Road / Huffmeister RoadWest end of reversible HOV/toll lane; access to North Cypress Medical Center; Hempstead Road not signed westbound
Jersey Village261.148–
262.531		420.277–
422.503

 SH 6 south / FM 1960 east		East end of SH 6 overlap, access to Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center
262.132–
263.272		421.861–
423.695		Eldridge Parkway / West Road
206.403332.173290 Express Lane
263.120423.451NW Station Park & Ride
264.086–
264.954		425.005–
426.402		Jones Road
FM 529 / Senate Avenue
264.321–
267.251		425.383–
430.099		 Beltway 8 (Frontage Road)Beltway 8 signed at FM 529 / Senate Avenue eastbound and Little York Road / Gessner Road westbound
Sam Houston TollwayInterchange
Houston265.272–
265.524		426.914–
427.319		Little York Road / Gessner Road
266.408428.742West Little York Park & RideInterchange for 290 Express Lane
267.776–
268.984		430.944–
432.888		Fairbanks-North Houston Road
269.347–
270.747		433.472–
435.725		Tidwell Road / Hollister Road
270.195–
272.467		434.837–
438.493		Pinemont Drive / Bingle Road / 43rd StreetSeparate exits for West 43rd & Bingle / Pinemont westbound, opened in October 2017.
271.927–
273.748		437.624–
440.555		Antoine Drive / 34th Street
273.404440.001 I-10 (US 90) – San Antonio, DowntownI-10 exit 763; I-610 exit 11; eastbound exit only.
273.228–
274.185		439.718–
441.258		Mangum Road / Dacoma Street / 18th Street / Hempstead RoadNo eastbound entrance
N/A
 I-10 east / Hempstead Road / Katy Road – NW Transit Center, Downtown		Eastbound exit for 290 Express Lane; east end of HOV/toll lanes at I-10, exit 763.
274.372441.559 I-610Eastern terminus; I-610 exit 13A; redesigned tri-stack interchange.
1.000 mi = 1.609 km; 1.000 km = 0.621 mi

Business routes

US 290 currently has three business routes and one former loop.

Dripping Springs

State Highway Loop 64 marker

State Highway Loop 64

LocationDripping Springs
Length0.55 mi[37] (890 m)
ExistedSeptember 1, 1958–June 27, 2003

Loop 64 is a former business loop of US 290 through the town of Dripping Springs. The highway was designated in 1958 along the former route of US 290 through the town along Mercer Street when the main highway was re-routed two blocks to the south. Loop 64 was removed from the state highway system in 2003 and returned to the city of Dripping Springs for maintenance.[37]

The Loop 64 designation was previously used for a highway in Henderson County. This Loop 64 was designated in 1939, running from SH 31 southeast to a point on the St. Louis Southwestern Railroad in Trinidad. The highway was cancelled and combined with FM 764 in 1948.[38]

Brenham

Business plate.svg

Business U.S. Highway 290 marker

Business US Highway 290-F

LocationBrenham
Length4.590 mi[39] (7.387 km)
Existed1990–present

Business U.S. Highway 290-F (Bus. US 290) is the original routing of US 290 through the town of Brenham. The route is 4.59 miles (7.39 km) in length. The route was designated as Loop 318 throughout its entire length on January 18, 1960. On February 28, 1973, the section from then-SH 90 westward became part of SH 105. It was established in 1990 when the mainline of US 290 was rerouted along with SH 36 around the western and southern sides of Brenham.[39] The routing begins to the west of town at an intersection with SH 36. The business route continues east into downtown on Main Street. Before reaching downtown, the route splits into two parallel one-way streets: Main Street carrying westbound traffic and Alamo Street carrying eastbound traffic. It passes through downtown, meeting the business routing of State Highway 36 and the western terminus of SH 105. At this intersection, the business route turns south on Market Street, and continues out of Brenham, rejoining the mainline US 290 near an intersection with FM 577.[40]

Hempstead–Hockley

Business plate.svg

Business U.S. Highway 290 marker

Business US Highway 290-H

LocationHempstead–Hockley
Length16.991 mi[41] (27.344 km)
Existed1995–present

Business U.S. Highway 290-H (Bus. US 290) is the original routing of US 290 through the towns of Hempstead, Waller, and Hockley. This route was designated between 1995 and 1998 in stages as a limited-access bypass route was constructed to the north of these towns.[41] It begins at the interchange with US 290 and SH 6 and travels south into Hempstead along 10th Street.[42][43] At an intersection with SH 159, the business route turns east onto Austin Street and subsequently runs parallel to the adjacent railroad after leaving Hempstead city limits. It intersects several amenities in Prairie View before serving downtown Waller while designated as Hempstead Road.[44][45] After passing through several industrial facilities and serving downtown Hockley, the business route becomes US 290's southbound frontage road just prior to the interchange with Badtke Road.

Cypress

Business plate.svg

Business U.S. Highway 290 marker

Business US Highway 290-L

LocationCypress
Length1.396 mi[46] (2.247 km)
Existed1993–present

Business U.S. Highway 290-L (Bus. US 290) is the original routing of US 290 through the town of Cypress. The route was designated in 1993 as a limited-access bypass was built to the northeast of the original routing.[46] At roughly 1.3 miles (2.1 km), it is US 290's shortest designated business route, serving the south side of Cypress's shopping area near the Fry Road and Spring Cypress Road interchanges.[47]

Former Austin business route

Business plate.svg

Business U.S. Highway 290 marker

Business U.S. Highway 290

LocationAustin
Existed1961–1970s

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Transportation Planning and Programming Division (n.d.). "U.S. Highway No. 290". Highway Designation Files. Texas Department of Transportation. Retrieved August 9, 2013.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Google (April 15, 2020). "Overview Map of US 290" (Map). Google Maps. Google. Retrieved April 15, 2020.
  3. ^ "Bill: HB 540 Legislative Session: 79(R)." Texas Legislature. Retrieved on February 12, 2009.
  4. ^ "TxDOT Minute Order 003676699" (PDF).
  5. ^ "TxDOT Minute Order 003676716" (PDF).
  6. ^ Map Showing Proposed System of State Highways (Map) (June 1917 ed.). ¾"=25 mi. Cartography by John D. Miller. Texas State Highway Department, Office of State Highway Engineer. July 1917. Retrieved July 21, 2010.
  7. ^ "TxDOT Minute Order 003676784" (PDF).
  8. ^ "TxDOT Minute Order 003676739" (PDF).
  9. ^ "TxDOT Minute Order 003676785" (PDF).
  10. ^ Highway Map, State of Texas (Map) (October 1, 1919 ed.). 1"=25 mi. Texas State Highway Department. Retrieved July 21, 2010.
  11. ^ Highway Map of the State of Texas (Map) (December 1, 1922 ed.). 1"=20 mi. Texas State Highway Department. Retrieved July 21, 2010.
  12. ^ "TxDOT History: 1917–1930". Texas Department of Transportation. Retrieved July 21, 2010.
  13. ^ "TxDOT Minute Order 003676912" (PDF).
  14. ^ "TxDOT Minute Order 003676988" (PDF).
  15. ^ Official Highway Map of Texas (Map) (Revised ed.). 1⅛"=20 mi. Texas State Highway Commission. March 1, 1929 [1928]. Archived from the original on May 10, 2012. Retrieved July 21, 2010.
  16. ^ Official Map of the Highway System of Texas (Map) (June 15, 1933 ed.). ⅞"=30 mi. Cartography by R. M. Stene. Texas State Highway Commission. § M16-N24. Archived from the original on June 6, 2011. Retrieved July 21, 2010.
  17. ^ Transportation Planning and Programming Division (n.d.). "U.S. Highway No. 290". Highway Designation Files. Texas Department of Transportation. Retrieved July 21, 2010.
  18. ^ Official Map of the Highway System of Texas (Map) (Centennial ed.). 1"=29 mi. Corrected. Cartography by R. M. Stene. Texas State Highway Commission. March 1, 1936. Retrieved July 21, 2010.
  19. ^ Transportation Planning and Programming Division (n.d.). "State Highway No. 20". Highway Designation Files. Texas Department of Transportation. Retrieved July 21, 2010.
  20. ^ Transportation Planning and Programming Division (n.d.). "U.S. Highway No. 87". Highway Designation Files. Texas Department of Transportation. Retrieved August 9, 2013.
  21. ^ Transportation Planning and Programming Division (n.d.). "State Highway No. 21". Highway Designation Files. Texas Department of Transportation. Retrieved September 23, 2019.
  22. ^ Transportation Planning and Programming Division (n.d.). "State Highway No. 71". Highway Designation Files. Texas Department of Transportation. Retrieved September 23, 2019.
  23. ^ Transportation Planning and Programming Division (n.d.). "State Highway Loop No. 343". Highway Designation Files. Texas Department of Transportation. Retrieved September 24, 2019.
  24. ^ Transportation Planning and Programming Division (n.d.). "State Highway No. 290". Highway Designation Files. Texas Department of Transportation. Retrieved August 9, 2013.
  25. ^ Transportation Planning and Programming Division (n.d.). "Business Interstate Highway No. 10-F". Highway Designation Files. Texas Department of Transportation. Retrieved August 9, 2013.
  26. ^ Transportation Planning and Programming Division (n.d.). "Business Interstate Highway No. 10-G". Highway Designation Files. Texas Department of Transportation. Retrieved August 9, 2013.
  27. ^ Transportation Planning and Programming Division (n.d.). "Ranch to Market Road No. 1312". Highway Designation Files. Texas Department of Transportation. Retrieved August 9, 2013.
  28. ^ Transportation Planning and Programming Division (n.d.). "Ranch to Market Road No. 3130". Highway Designation Files. Texas Department of Transportation. Retrieved August 30, 2019.
  29. ^ Transportation Planning and Programming Division (n.d.). "Ranch to Market Road No. 1674". Highway Designation Files. Texas Department of Transportation. Retrieved August 30, 2019.
  30. ^ "Construction to cause road-closure on I-35". newspaper. Austin Daily Texan. August 1, 2000. p. 6.
  31. ^ "290 East Manor Expressway Toll Road". CTRMA. Retrieved October 19, 2011.
  32. ^ a b c Houston Freeways
  33. ^ Foster, Robin (September 20, 2011). "Officials favoring upgrade by TXDOT". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved October 1, 2011.
  34. ^ a b c d e f g "About the Oak Hill Parkway - Oak Hill Parkway". CTRMA. Retrieved September 20, 2019.
  35. ^ "Hempstead/US 290 Managed Lanes". HCTRA. Retrieved October 19, 2011.
  36. ^ Texas Department of Transportation (2018). "Statewide Planning Map LRS Readout (ArcGIS)". Retrieved October 4, 2019.
  37. ^ a b Transportation Planning and Programming Division (n.d.). "State Highway Loop No. 64". Highway Designation Files. Texas Department of Transportation. Retrieved December 19, 2020.
  38. ^ Transportation Planning and Programming Division (n.d.). "Farm to Market Road No. 764". Highway Designation Files. Texas Department of Transportation. Retrieved December 19, 2020.
  39. ^ a b Transportation Planning and Programming Division (n.d.). "Business U.S. Highway No. 290-F". Highway Designation Files. Texas Department of Transportation. Retrieved August 10, 2013.
  40. ^ Transportation Planning and Programming Division (2018). Texas County Mapbook (PDF) (Map) (2018 ed.). 1:72,224. Texas Department of Transportation. p. 1646. Retrieved December 23, 2022.
  41. ^ a b Transportation Planning and Programming Division (n.d.). "Business U.S. Highway No. 290-H". Highway Designation Files. Texas Department of Transportation. Retrieved August 10, 2013.
  42. ^ Transportation Planning and Programming Division (2018). Texas County Mapbook (PDF) (Map) (2018 ed.). 1:72,224. Texas Department of Transportation. p. 1647. Retrieved December 23, 2022.
  43. ^ Transportation Planning and Programming Division (2018). Texas County Mapbook (PDF) (Map) (2018 ed.). 1:72,224. Texas Department of Transportation. p. 1648. Retrieved December 23, 2022.
  44. ^ Transportation Planning and Programming Division (2018). Texas County Mapbook (PDF) (Map) (2018 ed.). 1:72,224. Texas Department of Transportation. p. 1698. Retrieved December 23, 2022.
  45. ^ Transportation Planning and Programming Division (2018). Texas County Mapbook (PDF) (Map) (2018 ed.). 1:72,224. Texas Department of Transportation. p. 1699. Retrieved December 23, 2022.
  46. ^ a b Transportation Planning and Programming Division (n.d.). "Business U.S. Highway No. 290-L". Highway Designation Files. Texas Department of Transportation. Retrieved August 10, 2013.
  47. ^ Transportation Planning and Programming Division (2018). Texas County Mapbook (PDF) (Map) (2018 ed.). 1:72,224. Texas Department of Transportation. p. 1750. Retrieved December 23, 2022.

External links

KML file (edit • help)
Template:Attached KML/U.S. Route 290
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to U.S. Route 290.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=U.S._Route_290&oldid=1177055802"