Proposed Changes Could Reshape I-27 Hillside Exit in Amarillo

Let's face it, Amarillo and the surrounding areas are always under construction. It's funny what you come across years down the road. We are all aware of the current construction, but it also gives us a look at what’s planned in the future.  We are in the middle of the expansion of I-27 from four lanes to six. That's only the beginning for this project.

Proposed I-27 Expansion Plans in Amarillo

Having I-27 widened is going to be a plus, but right now, it is a nightmare for those who travel between Amarillo and Canyon daily. It feels like Mario Kart on narrow lanes surrounded by concrete. That part is south of Amarillo and north of Canyon, but more changes have been proposed as part of this project.

Why Changes Are Being Proposed for the Hillside Exit

Those changes will extend north of Western. That also includes changes to the Hillside exits. One of the more dangerous exits in Amarillo just happens to be the southbound exit to Hillside. Those flying off I-27 have to move over quickly to reach Hillside, and drivers trying to enter from the frontage road don’t always see them until it’s too late. You can wait and be patient, but the moment you go, another car comes flying up, leaving you to hit the gas or slam on the brakes. That’s where the proposed changes come in.

Read More: Amarillo Police Warn Drivers About Dangerous “Courtesy Crashes”

How Future Plans Could Change the Hillside Exit

Part of this I-27 project includes changes to the Hillside/Western exits, among other updates.

If you look at this proposed schematic from a 2020 TxDOT plan, you'll see the changes coming to this area.

The Hillside exit will become a partial access point. The traffic will soon be spread out, meaning drivers will have to exit earlier or later and use the frontage roads and loop back at Western. It means you’ll likely be exiting at Western instead of Hillside. This should mean smoother traffic without drivers darting across lanes to get to their exits.

Why Future I-27 Plans May Shift Traffic to Western

In other words, if you are used to exiting I-27 at Hillside, in the future, with these proposed changes, you’ll be relying more on frontage roads and the Western exit. Western will become more of an interchange. The new design will take Hillside from a full access exit to a limited one.

What Amarillo Drivers Can Expect in the Future

Keep in mind, this is all conceptual and still years down the road. The construction between Amarillo and Canyon has a few years left. All plans are subject to change.

None of these Western and Hillside changes are happening right now, but they show what drivers could expect down the road. You might want to put this in the back of your head and prepare yourself for construction chaos further north of what is currently being expanded.