John Cornyn Introduces I-47 'Trump Interstate' Bill to Change Highway 287

U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R) has introduced the I-47 Future Interstate Act, legislation that would designate U.S. Highway 287 as the future Interstate 47, also referred to as "Trump Interstate."

The proposed interstate would stretch nearly 1,800 miles from Port Arthur, Texas, to Choteau, Montana, covering one of the nation's longest transportation corridors. U.S.-287 is currently the second-longest three-digit highway in the United States and serves as a major freight and trucking route through Texas and several other states.

"Texas is Trump Country, and this bill cements that legacy by designating nearly 1,800 miles of open road from Texas' Gulf Coast to the edge of the U.S.-Canadian border as I-47 to forever be remembered as Trump Interstate," said Sen. Cornyn.

According to Cornyn, the bill would help improve freight movement, reduce traffic congestion, and increase federal matching funds available for interstate-related infrastructure projects. Supporters also argue that the interstate designation would strengthen economic development and improve safety along both rural and urban portions of the corridor.

"By upgrading one of our nation's longest highways to a future interstate, this legislation will increase economic growth and improve safety, all while honoring the most consequential president of our lifetime," said Cornyn.

The legislation cites a July 2025 feasibility study conducted by the Texas Department of Transportation, which found that converting U.S.-287 into an interstate-standard corridor could generate an estimated $11,6 billion annual increase in GDP by 2050 and create nearly 46,885 jobs. The study also projected $5,4 billion in travel cost savings and a 28% reduction in crash rates.

U.S. 287 additionally plays a role in national defense logistics, with portions of the corridor included in the Strategic Highway Network supporting military transportation and deployment needs.

The I-47 Future Interstate Act combines transportation infrastructure priorities with political symbolism, as supporters argue the interstate upgrade could boost economic growth, freight efficiency, and roadway safety across a major national corridor.