Newly Designated I-27 Segment Marks Major Milestone for Ports-to-Plains Corridor and West Texas Economy

A major step forward for Texas infrastructure and economic growth was celebrated with the official designation of a 4.2-mile segment of U.S. 87 as part of Interstate 27 (I-27). Local leaders, elected officials and representatives from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the Ports-to-Plains Alliance gathered on April 14, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas to mark the occasion with a ribbon cutting and signage unveiling ceremony.

This stretch, from South Loop 289 to just north of County Road 7500, is the first addition to I-27 since the interstate’s original completion in 1992. More importantly, it’s the first officially designated segment of the federally recognized Ports-to-Plains Corridor to be upgraded to full interstate status.

The ceremony featured remarks from U.S. Senator Ted Cruz and Congressman Jodey Arrington, both of whom played key roles in advancing the I-27 Numbering Act of 2023. They were joined by Ports-to-Plains President and CEO Lauren Garduno, TxDOT representatives Alvin New and Steve Warren and community leaders, including Lubbock Mayor Mark McBrayer and San Angelo Mayor Brenda Gunter, to commemorate this important milestone for the region. The rapid progress from the I-27 Numbering Act of 2023 to the designation and ribbon cutting highlights the clear economic return on investment and the strong momentum driving this initiative forward.

“This Interstate Signage Unveiling Ceremony is more than symbolic—it marks the beginning of a new era for freight mobility, economic growth and safety across Texas and beyond,” Garduno said. “This milestone reflects years of collaboration and commitment from community leaders, legislators and partners who believe in the future of this corridor.”

What Is the Ports-to-Plains Corridor?

The Ports-to-Plains Corridor is a critical north-south transportation route that begins at the U.S.-Mexico border in Laredo, Texas, and stretches through the Texas Panhandle into New Mexico, Oklahoma, Colorado and beyond—supporting commerce across North America. It was federally designated as a future interstate corridor to strengthen freight mobility, economic opportunity and safety throughout the heartland.

A Corridor with Regional and Statewide Impact

The 2020 Ports-to-Plains Corridor Interstate Feasibility Study highlighted the economic benefits of upgrading the corridor to interstate standards, including a quick return on investment. Additionally, in 2022, the FY 2022 Omnibus Appropriations bill was signed, designating the corridor as a future interstate, followed by Congress’s approval of the I-27 Numbering Act in 2023. In the U.S. Senate, initiated and steered by U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, the I-27 Numbering Act of 2023 received resounding support from co-sponsors, including Senators John Cornyn, Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Luján. In the U.S. House of Representatives, a coalition led by Representatives Jodey Arrington and Henry Cuellar, including Representatives August Pfluger, Ronny Jackson, Teresa Leger-Fernandez, Troy Nehls and Lance Gooden, propelled the legislation forward. 

The Ports-to-Plains initiative is expected to bring transformational benefits both locally and across Texas:

For the Lubbock Region and Surrounding Areas:

• $3.4 billion in annual travel cost savings
  
• 17,710 new jobs created
  
• $2.2 billion in annual GDP growth
  

For the State of Texas:

• $690 million in annual travel cost savings
  
• 4,400 new jobs created
  
• $640 million in annual GDP growth
  

These figures reflect the long-term economic potential of a fully developed Ports-to-Plains Corridor. Improved freight routes and reduced congestion will increase the efficiency of supply chains, attract investment and create new opportunities for rural and mid-sized communities alike.

The Road Ahead

The I-27 Numbering Act of 2023, championed by Senator Cruz, Congressman Arrington and a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers, made this designation possible. The corridor now has strong legislative momentum behind it, thanks to the efforts of officials who recognize its potential to transform transportation and commerce in the region.

As more segments are upgraded and designated, the economic and logistical advantages of the corridor will grow, which will continue to position Texas as a national leader in freight and mobility.

About the Ports-to-Plains Alliance

The Ports-to-Plains Alliance is a grassroots coalition of over 200 communities and businesses working to advocate for robust international transportation infrastructure. The Alliance supports economic security and prosperity throughout North America’s energy and agricultural heartland, spanning from Mexico to Canada.

For more information on the Ports-to-Plains Corridor and its progress, visit www.portstoplains.com.

This Interstate Signage Unveiling Ceremony is more than symbolic—it marks the beginning of a new era for freight mobility, economic growth, and safety across Texas and beyond.

Lauren Garduno, President & CEO of the Ports-to-Plains Alliance