...the inclusion of existing highways like US 77 will be evaluated.Because of funding problems, Jorge added, the highway’s cost will likely be shouldered by private contractors, who might build toll roads to supplement existing highway lanes and allow for expedited travel.
They are already running out of money. And would it be a mistake to say they are looking at converting such EXISTING HIGHWAYS into toll roads to help fund their little scheme?
The upgrading and conversion of state or US highways into interstates goes back to the start of the Interstate System.
Most of I-44 in Illinois used to be US Highway 66, for example.
Since all highways in the United States are legally state highways, the numbering has no real difference beyond the “branding” of the highway.
I-69 will not get built as a toll road in Texas. Texas DOT has so poisoned the well, that nobody will support it, IMHO.