Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
The Anzalduas International Bridge, located in Mission, Texas, has posted record-breaking growth in FY24, with a significant rise in both passenger vehicle and truck crossings. This surge in traffic comes as the bridge prepares to expand its role in international trade by allowing cargo trucks to cross both northbound and southbound, starting in early 2025.
In FY24, approximately 1.6 million non-commercial vehicles ventured southbound across the bridge, with a similar number estimated to have traveled northbound. This marks a 15% increase over FY23, reflecting the growing importance of the bridge as a critical link between the Rio Grande Valley and key cities in Mexico, such as Monterrey and Mexico City. “The increase in vehicle crossings demonstrates the growing demand for efficient and direct routes for travelers and businesses alike,” said Teclo Garcia, Chief Executive Officer of the Mission Economic Development Corporation (Mission EDC). “The Anzalduas International Bridge continues to be the most direct, safe, and efficient route for these vital connections.”
Although federal truck inspection facilities are still under construction and expected to be complete by Spring 2025, the bridge already supports southbound crossings for empty trucks. Truck traffic saw a notable 22% increase in FY24, with approximately 1,000 trucks crossing each week. “That’s a significant number, especially considering the facilities aren’t even fully operational yet. Once completed, that number could double, triple, or even more,” Garcia noted. “We owe much appreciation to our bridge partner, the City of McAllen, for their leadership and heavy lifting, as well as our federal partners on both sides of the border for their outstanding work in helping us reach this point.”
The Anzalduas International Bridge, which officially opened on December 15, 2009, has long been a strategic asset for the region, reducing travel times by up to 45 minutes for those traveling between the Rio Grande Valley and major Mexican cities. Its role is set to expand significantly as it begins to accommodate loaded trucks in February 2025. “This new capability will provide a competitive advantage for binational trade,” Garcia explained. “Trucks will be able to cross in both directions between Reynosa, Tamaulipas, and Mission, Texas, which will further enhance the region’s standing as a hub for international commerce.”
The bridge’s ongoing expansion, which began in December 2022, will allow for the crossing of loaded trucks, offering businesses a new, efficient crossing point between the U.S. and Mexico. By the first quarter of 2024, the expansion project was 42% complete, with wide lanes and a new customs area being developed to streamline the inspection process for cargo. “From the start, the goal of this project has been to boost the region’s competitiveness, giving companies more options for transporting goods across the border,” said Garcia. “We are creating the infrastructure necessary to support increased trade and economic development on both sides of the border.”
The economic benefits of this expansion extend beyond just the increase in crossings. The introduction of cargo trucks will also create new opportunities for logistics infrastructure development. Storage and transportation facilities are expected to emerge on both sides of the border, supporting the growing flow of goods. “The crossing of loaded trucks will open up a range of possibilities for businesses involved in cross-border trade,” added Garcia. “We’re improving transportation efficiency and driving new investment in the region’s logistics and warehousing sectors.”
As the Anzalduas International Bridge continues to grow, its impact on the regional economy and binational trade is set to expand even further. With its ability to soon accommodate cargo trucks and the continued growth in passenger vehicle crossings, the bridge is poised to become an even more vital component of the trade infrastructure between the U.S. and Mexico.
“We’re excited about the future of the bridge and the opportunities it will create for both sides of the border,” Garcia concluded. “Our efforts are paying off, and the best is yet to come.”
