There are currently nine business routes of U.S. Highway 287 in Texas that are designated and maintained by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). The business routes in the US state of Texas are traditionally short spurs or loops that connect the main route, in this case, U.S. Highway 287 (US 287), to the center or commercial district of a city. The routes commonly follow the course of an decommissioned state highway, or the old course of the main route. Business routes are signed with the traditional US 287 highway shield, and with a small "business plate" placed above the marker. TxDOT regards business routes as official highways, and is responsible for the maintenance of the route.