Texas Congressman Wants To Rename Highway That Runs Through Wichita Falls for President Trump

A highway that is over 1,700 miles long and runs through right here in Wichita Falls could be getting a name change if one Congressman has his way.

It was back in December of last year, I talked about the potential changes coming to Highway 287. The state of Texas is working hard to make this highway an interstate. What does that mean? 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.

This New Interstate Could Be Named After President Trump

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U.S. Congressman Brian Babin wants to make some new changes to this potential Interstate. Apparently he wants this Interstate to be known as I-47 to honor the 47th President of the United States of America.

Congressman Babin on the Future of Potential I-47

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“US-287 plays a critical role in facilitating transportation and bolstering economic opportunities across Texas and our nation,” said Congressman Babin. “Accounting for 25% of Texas’ GDP in 2021, it supports some of the state’s largest economic sectors, including, but not limited to, energy production, maritime, agriculture, cattle, and timber industries. Designating US-287 as I-47 and a High-Priority Corridor will help strengthen safety standards, improve regional connectivity, spur infrastructure investment, and support continued economic growth not only in Texas but also across the western United States. Texas is growing, and our infrastructure must grow with it. Establishing I-47 is a forward-looking investment in the communities, industries, and hardworking Americans who rely on this critical corridor every day.”

Highway 287 Currently Runs Through Five States

Highway 287 is currently the second longest three digit highway in the United States. It starts in Port Arthur, Texas and runs all the way north to Choteau, Montana. If you stay on Highway 287 the entire route, you also run through Oklahoma, Colorado, and Wyoming. We will have to wait and see if in the next few years this historic highway becomes Interstate 47.