Dispute Over Location, Agreeing on Progress: City, County Stance on TxDOT Projects

Ports-to-Plains Corridor held a conference September 2024, and the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) approved the initial 4.2-mile extension of Interstate 27 near Lubbock

The Ports-to-Plains Corridor project is rapidly advancing, promising significant economic and strategic benefits for Del Rio. Recent milestones include the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) approval of the initial 4.2-mile extension of Interstate 27 (I-27) near Lubbock in September 2024, and subsequent progress discussed at the I-27 Advisory Committee meeting in Del Rio. Officials have announced upcoming initiatives, including the installation of new I-27 signage along designated routes, signaling the start of construction.

The Ports-to-Plains Corridor, a designated High Priority Corridor since 1998, spans 963 miles from the New Mexico and Oklahoma borders to Laredo. It includes key highways such as I-20, I-27, I-35, US 83, US 87, US 277, US 287, SH 158, and SH 349. The project aims to create a continuous four-lane divided highway, extending I-27 from Laredo to the Del Rio port of entry, and onto the Canadian border.

The Val Verde Commissioners Court and the City of Del Rio have both expressed support for the Ports-to-Plains project. However, there is a conflict concerning the location of the 2nd International Bridge. The city wants the bridge in the North and the county wants the bridge in the South. The Val Verde Commissioners Court, on March 26, 2025, unanimously approved a letter of support for the Ports-to-Plains project for Fiscal Year 2026. While the court included a caveat regarding the city of Del Rio’s plans for the second international bridge location, their overall support for the Ports-to-Plains Corridor remains firm. The City of Del Rio also is in unanimous support of the Ports-to-Plains project and plans to write their letter of support soon.

On March 21, 2025, Val Verde County Judge Lewis G. Owens Jr. sent a letter to the city of Del Rio in opposition of their plans for the 2nd International Bridge but showed support for the Ports-to-Plains initiative. Owens said, “the proposed relief route to a south bridge would provide for a relief route allowing for an easier flow of traffic from our neighboring City of Eagle Pass to the south bridge and allows for a more natural traffic flow to the I-27 (Ports-to-Plains) Corridor, U.S. 377 Corridor to Dallas, as well as the Highway 90 Corridor.”

During an International Bridge Board Meeting on March 25, 2025, Assistant City Manager Manual Chavez expressed the city's plans to support the project and explained, “Ports-to-Plains, they requested support from the city, the county and other agencies regarding their funding request into Congressman Gonzalez. They are requesting about $6.4 million to be able to connect the I-27 to the second bridge.”

International Trade Corridor Map showing how the Ports-to-Plains project will improve connectivity

As a critical international trade gateway via the Del Rio International Bridge Border Crossing, the extension of I-27 holds immense promise for Del Rio. The improved infrastructure is expected to enhance freight movement and service to Mexico, making the transportation of goods faster, safer, and more cost-effective. Given that 80% of trade moving through the Del Rio, Eagle Pass, and Laredo border crossings is transported by trucks, efficient highway connectivity is paramount.

The economic benefits for Del Rio are projected to be substantial. Industries heavily reliant on efficient transportation, such as warehousing, manufacturing, and logistics, are anticipated to flourish with improved access to markets. Furthermore, the expected increase in both passenger and commercial traffic along the corridor is likely to stimulate demand for local businesses, including gas stations, truck stops, restaurants, and lodging, leading to development, expansion, and valuable job creation. Senator Ted Cruz has previously stated that the Ports-to-Plains project is expected to save $4.1 billion in annual travel costs and create more than 22,000 jobs across Texas.

Beyond economic advantages, the Ports-to-Plains Corridor also carries benefits for national defense, a factor relevant to the Del Rio community due to the presence of Laughlin Air Force Base. Approximately 469 miles of the Ports-to-Plains Corridor are designated as part of the Strategic Highway Network (STRAHNET), a network vital for the nation's strategic defense policy, ensuring defense access and emergency capabilities. Improved roadways within this network, including the future I-27, enhance connectivity for military assets and personnel, thereby bolstering national security.

TxDOT construction in the Del Rio area could begin as early as 2026, with the ultimate goal of extending the Ports-to-Plains Corridor from the Mexican to the Canadian border. John Osborne, Chairman of the Ports-to-Plains Alliance said, “The approval of route numbering for I-27 in Texas and New Mexico signifies a monumental step.” Osborne said, “This corridor unites the nation’s and Texas’ strategic economic engines of agriculture production, energy, and international trade, supporting burgeoning population centers in West and South Texas.”