First new segment of I-27 approved for south of Lubbock as part of Ports to Plains

LUBBOCK, Texas — The Ports to Plains Alliance on Thursday announced officials have approved the expansion of the first new segment of I-27.

“The new 4.2-mile segment of I-27 will run concurrently with U.S. Highway 87 from the current I-27 terminus in Lubbock to 0.1 mile north of County Road 7500,” a press release stated.

The new segment was approved by both the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Texas Transportation Commission. According to a press release, this designation will help traffic flow and improve public safety.

This new designation did not reach as far south as FM 41, where road work stopped mid-way through construction of a bridge. The Texas Department of Transportation said the “contractor defaulted,” and there is no new start date for construction resuming.

President Biden signed federal legislation for Ports to Plains legislation in 2022. It’s expected to bring Lubbock and the South Plains closer to having Interstate 27 reach all way from Laredo to a connection with Interstate 25, which then goes to Denver and other points to the north. This means the project would put Lubbock on an international trade route from Mexico, across the United States and to Canada. While the Ports to Plains corridor stops in Denver, it will connect with additional interstates that lead to Alberta, Canada.

The Ports-to-Plains project is expected to bolster the economy in the Lone Star State, especially in West Texas. The upgrade will save $4.1 billion in annual travel costs and more than 22,000 jobs, Senator Ted Cruz previously said.

The next steps include an upcoming event for the installation of new I-27 signage and the continued execution of the I-27 System, officials said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLBK | KAMC | EverythingLubbock.com.