Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas – The City of Laredo marked the 26th anniversary of the World Trade Bridge on April 10, 2026, recognizing more than two decades of cross-border trade and regional development.
According to city officials, the event brought together local, state, and international representatives to reflect on the bridge’s role in commerce and connectivity between the United States and Nuevo Laredo. Participants included Mayor Victor D. Treviño, State Representative Richard Peña-Raymond, Consul General Juan Carlos Mendoza, and Bridge System Director Elsa Hinojosa.
City officials stated that the anniversary served to “reflect on the impact this vital port of entry continues to have on trade, industry, and opportunity.” The World Trade Bridge, which opened in 2000, is a commercial-only crossing and plays a central role in freight movement across the U.S.-Mexico border.
Guest speakers also addressed infrastructure and safety. Sidney “Sid” A. Mielke of Structural Engineering Associates and Derek Barrs, administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, discussed the need for continued investment and coordination. They highlighted “the importance of infrastructure, safety, and continued collaboration in keeping commerce moving efficiently,” according to event remarks.
Officials emphasized that the bridge’s function extends beyond trade. The City of Laredo stated that “for 26 years, the World Trade Bridge has not only connected goods, but people, families, and the future of our region.” The statement also described the bridge’s development as “a testament to the leadership, workforce, and partnerships that keep Laredo moving forward as the nation’s leading inland port.”
The event emphasized the bridge’s ongoing role in supporting economic activity and binational cooperation as trade volumes continue to grow.
