Babin Moves to Designate I-47 in Honor of President Trump

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congressman Brian Babin (R-TX), Chairman of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee and senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, introduced the I-47 Future Interstate Act of 2026, to designate U.S. Route 287 as Interstate Route I-47. “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.” “Transportation Excellence for the 21 st Century (TEX-21) applauds Congressman Babin for his unwavering commitment to bolstering the nation’s economy and creating a safer transportation system,” said Chris Brown, Chair of TEX-21. “The organization also thanks Texas Department of Transportation for completing the US-287 Interstate Feasibility Study in 2025, which found a potential 161% return on investment should US-287 convert to an interstate, and an estimated 28% reduction in crash rates in Texas alone.” “I-47 should be the prototype for all future interstates and for US highway conversions to interstate,” said Jeff Branick, Vice Chair of TEX-21 and County Judge of Jefferson County. “It should be the safest, smartest, most environmentally responsible, and most technologically adaptable interstate in the country.” The I-47 Future Interstate Act of 2026: ·         Redesignates US-287 as I-47 and a High-Priority Corridor. ·         Increases economic growth throughout Texas and beyond. ·         Establishes uniform safety standards across five states. ·         Facilitates improved infrastructure development. This legislation is supported by the Transportation Excellence for the 21 st Century (TEX-21). ###