Ultimate Interstates:I-27 Extension
The Ultimate Interstate 27 extension would expand the I-27 corridor From its current terminui in Amarillo and Lubbock, TX to extend from Limon, CO to the Rio Grande Valley in Texas or to the Gulf Coast depending upon the southern routing chosen. North of Amarillo the route would travel in a generally northwestern direction connecting to I-70 and ultimately the Denver region. To the south the highway would travel in a southeasterly direction from Lubbock via one of several routing options eventually ending somewhere along the Gulf Coast or the Rio Grande Valley.
Corridor Routing
Northern Extension
Southern Extension
Amarillo Downtown Gap Closure
Amarillo Western Routing
Purpose and Need
I-27 as currently configured is a stub interstate route connecting only to I-40 and is the principal route connecting Lubbock to Amarillo. However there is no connection to any other part of the Texas interstate system leaving a missing link in the interstate system. With I-27 being part of the high priority "Ports to Plains" corridor it is essential for interstate commerce and can provide better connections to the upper plains states by being upgraded to interstate standards. Safety and congestion management is also a concern. Most of the highways in this area have high freight traffic but many of the roads are 2-lane highways that are becoming congested with truck traffic causing delays and dangerous passing situations.
Auxiliary Routes
While none are planned at this time, auxiliary routes from I-27 could be added along the corridor as needed serving Odessa/Midland, Lubbock and Amarillo.
Plausibility
Since the corridor has already been designated as a high priority corridor this interstate expansion could become a reality. Transportation investments and other projects should be completed with that ultimate goal in mind.