Initial Assessment Report – Extension of the I-27 /
Ports-to-Plains Corridor

Texas Freight Mobility Study

Key Statements in Plan

• “The Ports-to-Plains (I-27) corridor from Laredo to Denver was designated as a high-priority corridor on the National Highway System in 1998.”


• “In 2015, a TxDOT initial assessment report on the I-27 corridor found it to be critical to linking the energy and agricultural sectors to state, national and international trade.”


• “I-27 would be a catalyst to spur economic development in this part of the state and support agricultural and energy sector development, the state’s economic engine.”


• “The I-27 extension would provide the only major north-south corridor in Texas west of I-35, and it would intersect three major east-west routes: I-10, I-20 and I-40.”


• "TxDOT has recommended more detailed study of the extension to determine whether an incremental improvement approach or a complete interstate facility approach would meet safety and mobility needs.”

Designation as a Future Interstate

Messaging to Congress: Designation of Future Interstate 27

The Ports-to-Plains Alliance urges Congress to designate the southern-most portion of the Ports-to-Plains Alliance Corridor in Texas as future Interstate Highway I-27.  A detailed map showing the portion of the Corridor from Lubbock to Laredo can be found below. 

Currently I-27 is a 124-mile Interstate spur, starting on east-west Interstate I-40 in Amarillo and running south to Lubbock, where it terminates. The Alliance proposal would extend I-27 from its terminus in Lubbock to the international border crossing at Laredo, a distance of about 500 miles.  The estimated cost is $5.2 billion.

The Precedents

The Alliance proposal is consistent with precedent.  In ISTEA, TEA-21, SAFETEA-LU, and the FAST ACT, as well as from time to time in transportation appropriations acts, Congress has designated certain Congressionally-Designated High Priority Corridors (HPC) as future additions to the Interstate Highway System.  To date, more than 20 HPCs have been so designated.  The Alliance proposal tracks the language of these precedents.

The Proposal

The Alliance proposal would do four things:

• It would designate the Congressionally-designated High Priority Corridor from Lubbock, TX, to Laredo, TX, as a future addition to the Interstate Highway System.

• It would designate the route as Interstate Route I-27. 

• It would direct Texas to erect signs along the route identifying such route as future Interstate Route I-27. 

• It would ensure that vehicles that can legally operate on this portion of the Corridor today would be able to operate on I-27 once completed and opened to traffic.

The Alliance proposal would NOT do the following:

• It would NOT require Texas to make a commitment to complete the highway to Interstate standards within a specific time period.

• It would NOT automatically result in the appropriation or allocation of additional funds at either the federal or state level.  It does NOT commit the state or federal government to funding. 

Justification for Interstate 27 Extension

The I-27 extension would be a logical addition to the Interstate Highway System.

• It would have connectivity benefits.  The I-27 extension would provide the only major north-south corridor in Texas west of I-35, and it would intersect three major east-west Interstate routes: I-10, I-20, and I-40.  It would serve three international border crossings: Del Rio, Eagle Pass, and Laredo.  It would connect major West Texas population and economic centers, including Amarillo, Lubbock, Big Spring, Midland-Odessa, and San Angelo, in addition to numerous smaller communities.  It is critical to linking the energy and agricultural sectors to state, national, and international trade.

• It would have congestion relief benefits.   More than 2.3 million trucks passed through Laredo in 2018, more than through any other land port of entry by far (Detroit was next largest at 1.5 million).  Many of these trucks head north on I-35 toward San Antonio, Austin, Dallas and Fort Worth, making I-35 one of the Nation’s most congested Interstates.  The I-27 extension would provide an alternative north-south Interstate route, thereby helping to relieve congestion by diverting traffic off I-35 at Laredo.  Results would be improved on-time delivery and decreased transportation costs for goods and services.  Moreover, the $5.2 billion price tag for the 500-mile extension is cost effective when compared to the $4.8 billion cost of rebuilding just a 28-mile section of I-35 from I-635 to U.S. 380 in Dallas County.

• It would have economic development benefits.  A future Interstate designation would be a significant new economic development tool for communities along the corridor.  Site selectors for manufacturers, warehousing and distribution recommend sites along an interstate highway and travel services businesses such as hotels, truck stops, convenience stores and restaurants, which can have a dramatic impact on small communities will also expand.  This will create much needed new jobs and expanded tax base in rural West Texas. 

• It would have safety benefits.   Travel on the nation's Interstate Highways is about twice as safe as travel on all other roadways.  Given the large energy-related and agriculture-related trucks using this corridor, and the mix of personal, tourist, and truck traffic, safety will be greatly improved by the extension of I-27.  Fatalities and injuries will be reduced.

• It would have national defense and national security benefits.  About 300 miles, or 60 percent, of the extension is on the Strategic Highway Network (STRAHNET), which are the roads that provide defense access, continuity, and emergency capabilities for movements of personnel and equipment in both peace and war. 

• It would benefit energy production.  The extension of Interstate 27 between Lubbock and Laredo will provide direct access into the heart of the oil and gas industry. This direct access will allow for more production and distribution of these resources. This extension is a crucial component as Texas leads the country in energy independence.

• It would benefit cross border trade.  A future interstate designation would lead to improved cross border efficiency at the border crossings of Del Rio, Eagle Pass and Laredo. It would encourage more efficient use of all three crossings reducing wait time on congested international bridges