Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
U.S. Commissioner Chad McIntosh of the U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission joined U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar and Laredo Mayor Dr. Victor D. Treviño to sign conceptual designs for the expansion of the World Trade Bridge in Laredo.
According to the U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission, the signed conceptual plans represent formal binational approval under the treaties governing international crossings between the United States and Mexico. The proposed project would widen the existing World Trade Bridge and add a new eight-lane structure for northbound commercial traffic, increasing capacity between Laredo and Nuevo Laredo.
“The World Trade Bridge is a critical artery for North American commerce, and today’s signing confirms that the United States and Mexico are moving forward together on a thoughtful, coordinated expansion,” McIntosh said. “Our engineers on both sides of the river have spent years working through technical details so that this crossing can handle more traffic safely and reliably while respecting our treaty commitments.”
The expansion is being advanced by the City of Laredo in cooperation with the Texas Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration. Current plans call for the addition of two southbound lanes to the existing bridge and construction of an approximately 1,479-foot parallel bridge dedicated to northbound commercial traffic.
McIntosh said continued federal support remains important for infrastructure projects along the border.
“Consistent, predictable funding for both construction and long-term maintenance is essential if we want to protect taxpayer investments in infrastructure,” McIntosh said. “Members of Congress who understand that reality—including those who have backed bridge, dam safety, and water projects in this corridor—are helping ensure that facilities like the World Trade Bridge keep pace with demand and remain resilient for decades to come.”
Under long-standing binational agreements, both sections of the International Boundary and Water Commission review and approve international bridge projects and related works affecting the international boundary and shared waterways. The commission said its engineering teams evaluate hydrologic, hydraulic, and boundary impacts and ensure compatibility with flood-control infrastructure and river management responsibilities in both countries.
The binational approval allows project sponsors to move forward with environmental reviews, detailed engineering, and future construction activities, subject to applicable laws and regulations in the United States and Mexico.
The World Trade Bridge opened in 2000 and serves as one of the principal commercial gateways along the U.S.-Mexico border. According to the commission, the modernization and expansion project is expected to reduce congestion, improve freight mobility, and support economic activity in the Laredo-Nuevo Laredo region.
