The reason for proposed improvements to this corridor is to expedite the transportation of goods and services from Mexico in the United States and vice versa.

The proposed improvements gained momentum with the signing of the FY22 Omnibus Appropriations bill, which designated a section of the highway part of the interstate system.

[3] The Ports-to-Plains Corridor starts at the Mexico–United States border at a bridge crossing in Laredo, Texas, where it meets and runs concurrent with I-35, a six-lane freeway.

The cities of Laredo, Eagle Pass, and Del Rio are each located on the U.S./Mexico Border and are gateways to trade between the two countries.

The assessment report took into account crash hot spots, projected population change, and average daily traffic findings.

The Plan identified priority strategic projects and initiatives based on current and future freight volumes, trends and economic opportunities.

In June 2019, Governor Greg Abbott signed Texas House Bill 1079,[6] which directed TxDOT to conduct a comprehensive study of the Ports-to-Plains Corridor.