A Legacy of Partnership
Over 20 Years Supporting Ports-to-Plains
Strengthening the Ports-to-Plains Corridor has been a sustained, collaborative effort aimed at enhancing trade and connectivity across the region. For more than two decades, Freese and Nichols team members have been involved in planning and infrastructure work that supports this vital route and the communities it connects.
Throughout the years, we’ve played a leading role in advancing the initiative—hosting state, national, and international events that bring together member organizations, policymakers, and stakeholders. These gatherings have fostered meaningful dialogue and collaboration, helping to shape the vision and strategy for the corridor’s development.
Freese and Nichols team members have been actively engaged in advocacy efforts at every level, including meetings with national leaders such as the U.S. Trade Ambassador. Our involvement underscores a deep and ongoing commitment to strengthening infrastructure that enhances economic opportunity from Canada to Mexico and has the potential to transform the landscape of West Texas
Developing Communities Through Infrastructure
The Ports-to-Plains Corridor is a major trade route in development, spanning 963 miles and 26 Texas counties from the Port of Laredo to Canada. Designed as a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to further expansion of I-35, the corridor is poised to drive economic growth and transform connectivity across West Texas. This region, often referred to as the Food, Fiber, and Fuel Capital of the World, plays a vital role in the state’s economy through its robust oil, gas, agriculture, energy and manufacturing sectors.
Cities along the corridor each bring unique strengths to West Texas. Lubbock anchors the region with strong infrastructure and a diverse economy. Amarillo contributes through freight, agribusiness and renewable energy. Midland and the Permian Basin is a major player in energy and logistics. San Angelo, another long-time leader of this initiative, stands at the crossroads of this initiative and the Ports-to-Forts initiative for the future I-14 corridor.
RESOURCES
Experienced in Transportation
Our Services
Freese and Nichols has partnered with transportation agencies, cities, and counties to plan and design roads, highways and bridges since the 1890s. Our Highway Practice offers full planning, design, and CEI services, with a strong track record supporting Texas and Oklahoma DOTs and Tollway Authorities through innovative, high-quality solutions. Our Roadway Practice supports cities and counties and our multidisciplinary team includes planners, engineers, scientists and construction managers to take roadway projects from concept to completion.
One of our long-time clients serves as a great example of our ability to work for each client type as well as our ability to move a big initiative from initial development, to planning, design, program management and construction. In Parker County, we partnered with TxDOT and NCTCOG on the $34 million East Loop project, improving interchanges like IH-20 and US 180. As Program Manager for the 2016 Bond, we led 25 projects and secured $80M in funding. We’re continuing that work under the 2023 bond, managing 32 new safety and mobility projects.
Certified for DOTs
Freese and Nichols has extensive experience designing, inspecting and managing construction for transportation departments and tollway authorities. Our team of more than 125 people is available for highway projects, with precertification in 90+ work categories. We’re also certified to work for the DOTs of Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, North Carolina and Georgia. We support that expertise with a high-level understanding of state infrastructure issues, environmental permitting, funding options and collaborative project delivery methods.
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TRANSPORTATION PLANNING
Freese and Nichols has prepared a broad range of transportation plans for cities, counties and regional authorities. We actively implement context-sensitive solutions that consider environmental stewardship and complement land uses, ensuring our plans provide viable transportation alternatives to sustainably serve citizens over the long term. Our approach results in action-oriented plans for expanding transportation systems in a fiscally responsible manner.
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SCHEMATIC DESIGN
We create detailed schematic designs that guide transportation projects from the start. Services include route and feasibility studies, 3-D visualization and tailored plans that ensure clear direction throughout the project lifecycle.
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PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS AND ESTIMATES (PS&E)
During PS&E, schematic layouts become detailed construction plans, including paving, drainage, bridges, utilities, walls and traffic control. Designs progress from 60% to 90% and 100% submittals, increasing precision and readiness for construction.
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CONSTRUCTION
Effective construction planning reduces disruptions while prioritizing safety and efficiency. We assess closures, detours and access needs, using tools like signal adjustments and message boards. During bidding and construction, we review qualifications, recommend bidders and provide on-site oversight to ensure quality and success.
Local Team, National Expertise
REGIONAL ROOTS
Our teams live and work in the regions touched by the Ports-t0-Plains Corridor. Our local history runs deep: for more than 130 years, Freese and Nichols has helped Texans navigate growth and develop critical infrastructure.
Personal relationships with local stakeholders and a deep understanding of the region, paired with our extensive knowledge of the state’s diverse landscapes and regulatory environments help us create infrastructure solutions that are effective, sustainable and aligned with unique community priorities.
NATIONAL BEST PRACTICES
Our multidisciplinary team includes experts in water resources, transportation, urban planning, environmental science and construction management working across the U.S. This geographic diversity allows us to draw from the best practices and innovations trusted and applied by our own Freese and
Nichols experts, bringing industry-leading infrastructure solutions to each of our community partners.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR MORE THAN 130-YEAR HISTORY
Environmental Services for DOTs
Our environmental expertise is integral to our work with DOTs. We offer comprehensive environmental permitting and documentation services, verifying that all projects comply with state and federal regulations. Our team conducts thorough environmental impact assessments, noise analyses and utilizes drone photo imagery to accurately capture and assess project sites. We are committed to environmental stewardship and work diligently to minimize the ecological footprint of our projects.
Understanding High Growth for All Communities
The Ports-to-Plains initiative will have a significant impact on our West Texas communities. As such, it will be helpful to partner with someone who has been through it before. Freese and Nichols has direct experience to draw from to help lead your community through the impending high-growth period. We can help anticipate what is coming and show a path through it, including how to leverage and maximize state and federal funding for needs that arise.