An extension to the current route potentially doubling its length was considered and rejected in recent years.

TxDOT proposed extending the route an additional 3 miles (5 km) to Loop 375 on June 30, 1994, but those plans were dropped on October 25, 2007.

[1] SH 178 is a major urban thoroughfare on El Paso's west side that is locally known as Artcraft Road The route is a four to six-lane divided highway beginning at NM 136, or Pete V. Domenici International Highway, at the New Mexico state line between El Paso and Santa Teresa in Doña Ana County, New Mexico.

The route proceeds east along Artcraft Road crossing the Rio Grande shortly before intersecting SH 20 at Doniphan Drive.

Port of Entry and I-10 bypassing Sunland Park, New Mexico, Santa Teresa, and central El Paso.