HOUSTON – Texas Senator John Cornyn is proposing a major highway change that would honor President Donald Trump while reshaping one of the nation’s longest roadways.
Cornyn announced legislation to rename U.S. Highway 287 as Interstate 47, calling it a tribute to Trump’s presidency and a long-term investment in transportation infrastructure.
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The senator says the proposal would upgrade the highway into a future interstate corridor stretching nearly 1,800 miles across multiple states.
What Cornyn said
In a social media post, Cornyn said:
“Texas is Trump Country & this bill cements POTUS’ legacy by designating nearly 1,800 miles of open road to forever be known as the Trump Interstate.”
I am proud to introduce legislation to rename US Highway 287 as Interstate 47 in honor of our 47th President @realDonaldTrump.
— Senator John Cornyn (@JohnCornyn) May 12, 2026
My bill will upgrade one of our nation’s longest highways to a future interstate and save more than $5 BILLION in travel costs, all while honoring the… https://t.co/Ua8lxoZUeN
Cornyn also claimed the interstate conversion could save more than $5 billion in travel costs while improving freight movement and highway connectivity.
What is U.S. Highway 287?
U.S. Route 287 runs from Texas through several states into Montana and is considered a major trucking and travel corridor.
In Texas, the highway connects multiple North Texas communities and serves as a key route for commercial transportation.
If redesignated as Interstate 47, portions of the route would likely need to meet federal interstate standards before receiving the official interstate designation.
The proposal is likely to spark strong reactions from both supporters and critics of Trump.
Supporters may see the move as a symbolic honor recognizing Trump’s influence on Republican politics and Texas conservatives.
Critics are expected to question whether a federal highway should be renamed after a sitting or recently serving political figure and whether taxpayer dollars should be tied to the effort.
At this point, the legislation would still need congressional approval before any changes become official.