I haven't done it in years. I used to take the back way - Grand Parkway to Brookshire, then FM roads to Hempstead. Is that still the fastest route? I know Grand Parkway is supposed to eventually be built from I-10 to 290, but the google maps say it's not there yet. Is this Katy-Hockley cut off road between I-10 and 290 legit? Is it a big street, one lane, light ridden, neighborhood ridden, etc? It's for a morning commute, around 7:00am leave time.
There is no good way anymore. You used to go 359 to Hempstead. But even the old country road is under construction and crowded now. I'd still go that way though. 99 from 59 to 10 seems endless. At least 359 is scenic.
I frequent this trip too often. I've taken Katy Hockley a few times, but it was pouring down rain outside to the point where I had to pull over, so I didn't get a good time estimate they only time I drove. Other times I have been a passenger and paid no attention to the time it took to get there. I used to take 59, then the tollway to 290. This one wouldn't be the best for the morning. I hate this way now. By far the favorite trip is 99, I-10, to Brookshire. That way is so scenic. I've seen goats, emus, zebras, miniature ponies, all sorts of wild life on the side of the road. All three ways I seem to get there in about a 15 minutes difference from each other, with the beltway putting the most miles on the car. I wouldn't be surprised if Katy Hockley was a few minutes faster than Brookshire.
i'd probably just take 359 the whole way to 290. or ****, maybe even go back to the beltway and take that up to 290. katy hockley cut-off is legit, but i start on that road anyway (katy-ft. bend road now turns into that road a little north of I-10).
