Which route are you going from Houston? I went out 290 to 6 going up. Came back by cutting over to 45 - seemed a little quicker.
Probably 6 via 290.... I am west of Houston (and any ride mates will likely also be west of Houston), so I-45 may not be an option. I usually check road construction delays the evening before such trips.
Just be on the lookout for a loud-mouth, middle-finger pointing Yankee who drives like gradmother going to bingo night.