To expedite trade crossings between Mexico and the United States, $160 million will be invested in infrastructure improvements to the World Trade Bridge and the Colombia Solidaridad International Bridge , strengthening the main interchange point between the two countries: Laredo, Texas.
Elsa Hinojosa, director of Bridge Systems for the City of Laredo, said the work will help reduce congestion and handle more and new products, such as medical equipment and perishables.
“We’re working together with CBP (U.S. Customs and Border Protection). We want to have more crossings of avocados, tomatoes, strawberries, and berries. We have the cold chain, the facilities, and the qualified people to supervise and prevent pests,” he commented.
He recalled that they received presidential permission for the World Trade Bridge on May 31, 2024, and are currently working with the CBP and Nuevo Laredo authorities .
Now they are just waiting for approval of the environmental project , which is expected to be completed in June 2026. The project will have an investment of $45 million.
Meanwhile, the presidential permit for the Colombia Solidarity Bridge was approved on June 16, and meetings have already begun to promote applications, contracts, and plans for this infrastructure . An investment of $115 million is expected for this project.
“These two bridges will help us expand, reduce traffic jams, and speed up crossings,” he said.
He explained that the funds will be allocated to maintenance and renovation of the administrative buildings on both bridges , as well as to innovation, technology, booth maintenance, staff expansion, security, upgrades, and reinforcements.
Regarding technology investments, he explained that they will be for projects such as completing certain online procedures and making payments via credit or debit cards.
“What’s affecting us now is that the companies don’t have the funds, and we have to stop traffic, and that’s what we’re working on, the online application,” he explained, adding that they hope this option will be ready next September.
Regarding any impact on crossings due to the United States tariff policy, Hinojosa commented that no decrease has been recorded so far .
“We’re waiting until August 1st to see if there will be any more changes. Customs agencies are working on the changes. They’re giving them 30 or 90 days, and by next week there will be more changes, but we have to adapt to any tariff or duty. We have to look to the future and not see uncertainty, working together. Changes are coming, and we have to adapt, and the crossings have to continue. The city of Laredo moves the world. It crossed $339 billion in trade last year, and of that, $331 billion was with Mexico,” he said.
He also indicated that the issue of English language proficiency among transporters has not had any impact .
Regarding the Gloria-Colombia Highway, which connects Monterrey with Texas, Hinojosa explained that this infrastructure has seen an increase in crossings due to security concerns .
“It helped us a lot, and we hope for more crossings. We’re promoting Port Laredo, the bridges, and this highway,” he said.
Currently, there are 21,000 daily north-south crossings across both bridges, and they estimate a 3% increase by the end of 2025. At the end of last year, they recorded a 6% increase.
Follow Port Laredo on social media to stay up-to-date on news and events.
Comment and follow us on X: @GrupoT21
