The U.S Senate recently passed the expansion of Interstate 27 in a unanimous vote. Connecting Lubbock to Midland-Odessa, the addition would include a segment in the Petroplex, according to NewsWest 9.
“We really see it as an overall transportation network," James Beauchamp, President of the Midland-Odessa Transportation Alliance, told NewsWest 9.
NewsWest 9 reports that the I-27 West would stand between Midland and Odessa from the west along Highway 349 to Highway 1788, while I-27 East would pass through Big Spring. An addition of 349 North towards the growth corridor, Lamesa, would ensure various points of safety.
Though no construction date has been set officially, the project now awaits approval from the U.S. House of Representatives. Sen. Ted Cruz and Rep. August Pfluger contributed to the advancement of the proposal, which will add connectivity to the Permian Basin, NewsWest 9 reported.
“Our work on improving I-20, I-10 and our connection to I-10, adding in I-14 and now I-27, what happens is -- Midland and Odessa then become connected to over 80% of the state’s population, over 80% of the workforce and over 80% of the GDP...via an interstate," Beauchamp told NewsWest 9.
“Being well-connected, even though it may seem like overkill in some ways -- all those different connections – really are important, and not just for us but for all those other areas," Beauchamp added. "Having access to the energy production capital of America is pretty important.”
The factor that would differentiate I-27 from other roads is its north-south connection, per the NewsWest 9 report. The expansion is expected to attract additional opportunities to the area.
“Connecting us with a north-south interstate allows us to have energy transfer for those areas, but it also allows free flow of transportation for the fuel and fiber and food that’s produced to the north of us – in the panhandle – and so it’s this interconnectivity that comes with I-27," Midland Mayor Lori Blong said, according to NewsWest 9.
The addition would serve as a direct reflection of the increased population growth and infrastructure development of West Texas.
“We want to make sure that we have responsible growth that is looking towards the future – that we’re able to care well for the population that lives here, but then also have safe roads and a safe future for the City of Midland," Blong said, according to NewsWest 9.