US 287 survey still open thru Sept. 16

The public has until September 16 to complete a survey for the Texas Department of Transportation to provide feedback on the feasibility of upgrading US 287 to interstate highway standards.

The study is focused on almost the entire length of US 287 in Texas, a corridor that spans 671 miles from Port Arthur to Amarillo and plays a major role in moving people and goods through Texas.

The comprehensive study will evaluate transportation needs and identify potential multimodal solutions to help improve safety and connectivity. TxDOT is asking the public to participate in a survey to share their experiences traveling along the corridor, challenges for safety and mobility, and provide insights into priorities for US 287.

TxDOT corridor planning branch manager Lorena Echeverria de Misi said the study is an opportunity for TxDOT to hear from communities, businesses, and the broader public what this corridor should look like and how it can connect communities and foster economic opportunities for Texans for years to come.

Childress District TxDOT public information officer Ginger Wilson says she wants as many people as possible to complete the survey and give their thoughts on what changes to US 287 could mean.

“Question eight – the last question on the survey – is open ended, and we encourage people to respond there with their thoughts and opinions.”

Wilson also said that if the study ultimately determines that upgrading US 287 is feasible, it would likely be many years or even decades before any changes would be made to the highway.

Members of the public are also encouraged to leave comments about specific locations along the corridor on an interactive map. Both the survey and the interactive map will be available through Sept. 16 on https://www.txdot.gov/projects/projects-studies/statewide/us287-corridor-interstate-feasibility-study.html.

Guided by groups representing northwest, central, and southeast segments of the corridor, this study focuses on safety, movement of people and goods, connectivity with other key corridors in Texas, and new technology, and other priorities.

For more information, contact Ginger Wilson at 940-937-7288.