You also shouldn't underestimate the influence that Houston had on the I 69 route.
BTW, Little Rock and Memphis also joined ROT.
To me that just solidifies my belief that Perry was more interested in creating fly throughs for foreign goods rather than helping the average Texan. (Limited access)
The TTCs would basically destroy any investments along standard trade routes opening the door for foreign company concessions along the new routes. (non compete clauses)