Big news for West Texas drivers, Interstate 27 just got a 4.2-mile expansion. The Texas Transportation Commission approved the new stretch, which will make the drive between Lubbock and Lamesa smoother and safer.
With the Commission’s approval at their September 26 meeting, this section of road should see less congestion. The expansion extends along U.S. Highway 87, starting where I-27 currently ends in Lubbock, and stretches north, just passing County Road 7500, as reported by the Texas Department of Transportation.
Brenda Gunter, San Angelo mayor and head honcho of the I-27 Advisory Committee, told the Texas Department of Transportation, "This designation breathes new hope into our vision in San Angelo, Texas. She added, "Approving this designation is not just symbolic but a critical first step toward making construction of the I-27 system in Texas a reality."
The extended I-27 has the Ports-to-Plains Alliance celebrating. With support from TxDOT, the state Legislature, and Congress, Alliance CEO Lauren Garduno acknowledged these collaborative efforts. Everyone is excited to put up signs along the new interstate. This project is just the beginning, as the ultimate goal is to connect to the Mexican border and even extend up to Canada.
The funds to make this project happen didn't come from casual discussions; they were part of a $1.5 trillion appropriations bill passed in 2022, which included this West Texas project in the federal Interstate Highway System. Drivers should watch for new signs that will soon appear along the new section of I-27.
