Texas Border Business
Today, the McAllen Bridge System, in conjunction with federal, state and local stakeholders, officially inaugurated additional northbound lanes at Anzalduas International Bridge Port of Entry. The newly constructed lanes were part of improvements made to increase northbound vehicular traffic at the bridge. The total construction cost for the improvement was $2,867,922.
“Our international ports of entry are extremely important to our local and state economies, said Texas Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, Dist. 20. “With Mexico being Texas’ largest trading partner, this two-lane expansion at the Anzalduas International Bridge will increase commerce between Mexico and the United States, create jobs in the region, and expand the Texas economy. We will all benefit from this investment,” Hinojosa added.
The project involved adding three travel lanes for passenger cars that includes two working vehicular lanes and one by-pass lane, known as a return lane. The two vehicular lanes included the installation of two inspection booths with the accompanying equipment, high mast lighting and extending the existing canopies.
This project will improve mobility and commercial border efficiency at the port of entry by alleviating queuing and shortening wait times for northbound vehicular traffic. The lanes at the Anzalduas Port of Entry have now increased from four working lanes to six working lanes.
According to Texas Representative Terry Canales, District 40 who also serves as Chairman of the House Transportation Committee, the bridge and the investment is invaluable.
“The Anzalduas International Bridge is an incredible asset that we have down here, and we are now beginning to tap into its full potential. As Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation, a lot of my attention has been focused on advancing transportation infrastructure around the state. It’s infrastructure like the Anzalduas bridge that is going to grow the economy and create a better future for our children and grandchildren,” Canales concluded.
“We must build the necessary infrastructure to travel and trade freely and to grow South Texas businesses within their communities and beyond,” said U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, Dist. 28. “That’s why I worked with former Chairman of the House Transportation Committee Bill Shuster to bring back Coordinated Border Infrastructure (CBI) funding into law and I am glad that about $2.1 million in federal CBI funding was used to help expand the Anzalduas Bridge.
“The expansion of the Anzalduas Bridge from 4 to 6 lanes will further grow our economy, increase tourism, strengthen trade and investment, and create jobs on both sides of the border. As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, I am committed to investing in our nation’s transportation infrastructure to ensure it continues to provide the foundation that allows our local economies to thrive. I want to thank the Anzalduas International Bridge Board Members and Superintendent of Bridges Juan Olaguibel for their dedication to this project. I would also like to thank the Rio Grande Valley Congressional Delegation and Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa for their support and leadership on this project.”
McAllen Mayor Jim Darling understands that the bridges represent more than an international crossing, but are rather, the links that unite McAllen and the entire Rio Grande Valley with its sister cities in Mexico.
“Our bridges serve to connect us in so many ways that are vital to the prosperity of both McAllen and Reynosa, Texas and Tamaulipas and the United States and Mexico is by working together,” said Darling. “We have historical, cultural and business ties, and anything that can bring us closer, will ensure success and an economic boost for all.”
U.S. Senator John Cornyn commented on the importance of this new addition to the Anzalduas bridge and its impact in the community of the border.
“I want to extend special congratulations to the Hidalgo -Anzalduas Bridge Board, along with our state delegation and leadership of U.S. Customs and Border Protection,” he continued. “Our international bridges are vital to our economy along the border region and I remain committed to ensuring the free flow of legitimate trade and travel while maintaining a close relationship with our friends in Mexico.”
