Highway 287 could soon become Interstate 287 after some major construction over the next few years.

Back in August last year, TxDOT asked Wichita Falls residents to participate in a survey about their frequent travel on Highway 287. Residents were asked how often they're using Highway 287 for long distance travel. Maybe in a few years, Highway 287 will be much more efficient for driving across the state of Texas.

TxDOT Proposes Highway 287 Interstate Change

Nothing has been set in stone for this to officially happen over the next SEVERAL years, but TxDOT released a plan connecting Port Arthur, Texas to Amarillo on a 691 mile stretch of interstate. TxDOT said this project will cost almost 25 BILLION dollars. Obviously, this project will also take a lot of time and you can imagine that price tag will only go up throughout the years.

Difference Between Interstate and a Highway?

All interstates are highways, but not all highways are interstates. Interstates are designed to higher national standards for high-speed, long-distance travel with no intersections or stoplights. You know on Highway 287 when you have to slow down in those random towns? No more, drive the speed limit the entire way to South Texas if you want. 39 miles of Highway 287 currently lineup with Interstate travel, it's the other 632 miles this project is dealing with.

Big Changes to Highway 287 Becoming an Interstate

Besides the standard interstate design upgrade, the major challenges along this route are existing bridge structures needing to be suitable. Also right of way limitations along the route.

Once again, this has not been approved and no official construction timetable has been released. We will have to wait and see what happens to the future of Highway 287 or Interstate 287.