Texas I-27 Implementation
Texas Leads the Way
Texas is leading the delivery of the I-27 Future Interstate system, which at 963 miles represents the largest and most developed segment of the Ports-to-Plains Corridor. Texas was the first state to secure detailed planning and legislative direction for I-27, laying the groundwork for corridor-wide advancement. Federal Future Interstate designation confirmed the route’s national significance, while passage of HB 1079 and SB 1474 directed Texas Department of Transportation to conduct the initial I-27 system study. That effort produced the I-27 implementation plan, defining system limits, phasing strategies, and project priorities across the state. Today, Texas continues to advance I-27 through coordinated planning, funding commitments, and ongoing TxDOT studies, establishing the system status, technical foundation, and delivery model that will guide expansion into neighboring states and completion of a continuous north–south Future Interstate corridor.
TxDOT Implementation Plan Status
The Texas Department of Transportation has completed a comprehensive, statewide planning effort to develop the I-27 Implementation Strategy, establishing the official framework for advancing the corridor to full Interstate standards. This strategy identifies how existing highways — including US 83, US277, US 87, US 287, and connecting segments — will be systematically upgraded to meet Interstate design, safety, and operational requirements. The plan outlines system limits, phasing, and project sequencing, providing a clear roadmap for long-term delivery. As the guiding document for I-27 development in Texas, the Implementation Strategy aligns planning, funding, and project development decisions across TxDOT districts, ensuring consistent progress and reinforcing Texas’s leadership role in completing the Future Interstate corridor.
Texas Unified Transportation Plan
Developed by the Texas Department of Transportation, the UTP establishes statewide priorities, allocates funding across program categories, and determines which projects advance from planning into construction. Inclusion in the UTP is critical, as it signals long-term commitment, funding eligibility, and implementation readiness. For corridors like I-27, the UTP ensures Future Interstate projects compete on equal footing, align with statewide mobility and safety goals, and receive predictable, phased investment. By anchoring I-27 projects in the UTP, Texas translates policy direction and legislative intent into actionable funding decisions that move the Future Interstate corridor toward full delivery and national connectivity.
The I-27 Advisory Committee
The I-27 Advisory Committee was established by Texas law through SB 1474 to provide structured, local leadership in advancing the I-27 Future Interstate system. The committee is composed of Mayors, County Judges, and Economic Development professionals representing the 26 counties along the I-27 route in Texas. Serving in an advisory capacity, the committee works closely with the Texas Department of Transportation to inform project prioritization, phasing, and implementation strategies. Equally important, the committee plays a central role in engaging local governments, businesses, and communities, ensuring corridor development reflects regional needs while supporting statewide transportation goals and the long-term delivery of a nationally significant Interstate corridor.
Corridor Segments & Investment
These projects represent only a spotlight on the types of projects included in the 2026 Texas UTP.
US 287 (Howard County)
A key Future Interstate 27 improvement is advancing in Howard County along US 87 near Big Spring. TxDOT has an estimated cost of $21.6 million for widening the non-freeway segment from two miles north of Glasscock County to the county line, adding lanes and shoulders to improve safety and capacity. The project is scheduled for FY 2026–2029, with preliminary engineering underway and construction anticipated to begin in 2027. This investment reflects increased rural funding and directly supports I-27 readiness by upgrading a critical Ports-to-Plains corridor segment to interstate-compatible standards.
LP 335 (Randall County)
TxDOT is advancing Phase II of the SL 335 / I-27 Interchange, extending from I-27 to Bell Street in Amarillo. This new roadway construction project is programmed for FY 2026–2029 with a total investment of $29.1 million. The project is currently in the PS&E phase, with construction anticipated to begin by 2027. Loop 335 serves as Amarillo’s primary reliever route, providing a bypass that reduces congestion on I-27, improves freight mobility, and enhances safety by separating through-traffic from local travel. Phase II of the SL 335 / I-27 Interchange strengthens this reliever function by improving connectivity between I-27 and key urban corridors, supporting long-term operations and delivery of the I-27 Future Interstate System through the Amarillo region.
US 87 Interchange (Lubbock County)
TxDOT is advancing a new interchange on US 87 in Lubbock, extending from 0.75 miles north of FM 41 to 0.75 miles south of FM 41. The project is programmed for FY 2026–2029 with a total investment of $20.0 million and is designed to improve access, safety, and traffic operations along a critical segment of the I-27 / Ports-to-Plains Corridor. Construction is anticipated to begin within four years, with early delivery activities underway as part of TxDOT’s long-range planning efforts. This interchange strengthens system connectivity, supports growing traffic demands in the Lubbock area, and advances readiness for future interstate standards along the I-27 corridor. The project is under construction or begins soon.
I-20 Widening (Midland County)
TxDOT is advancing a major widening project on I-20 from east of County Road 1250 to east of SH 349 in the Odessa–Midland area. Programmed for FY 2026–2029, the project represents a $222.5 million investment to add lanes and increase capacity along one of Texas’s most heavily traveled freight corridors. The project is currently in the PS&E phase, with construction anticipated to begin in 2027. This investment improves safety, reduces congestion, and strengthens connectivity between the Permian Basin, I-27, and national Interstate markets, supporting long-term future interstate and freight mobility goals.
IH 35 Widening & Overpass Replacement (Webb County)
TxDOT is advancing a major IH 35 widening and overpass replacement project in north Laredo, extending from 2.68 miles north of the Uniroyal interchange (MM 16.0) to 1.2 miles north of the US 83 interchange (MM 19.674). Programmed for FY 2026–2029, the project represents a $270.8 million investment to widen the freeway to six lanes and replace aging overpasses. The project is currently in the PS&E phase, with construction anticipated to begin in 2026. This investment strengthens I-35 capacity at the nation’s largest inland port, improves safety and reliability, and enhances connectivity between I-27, the Ports-to-Plains Corridor, and international trade flows through Laredo.
Support I-27 in Texas Legislature
Now is the time to keep I-27 moving forward in Texas. Urge your state legislators to support continued I-27 funding and ask TxDOT to prioritize the corridor in the Unified Transportation Program (UTP). Sustained legislative support ensures planning, construction, and long-term delivery of this nationally significant Future Interstate.