Texas: Anzalduas International Bridge Project

Two Strong Bridges Are Better Than One 

Challenge: Economic growth spurred by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) could result in a near tripling of commercial vehicle traffic in the Rio Grande Valley/Tamaulipas border region by 2050, according to a study by the Texas Department of Transportation. The economic activity is welcome news for the cities of McAllen, Hidalgo, and Mission, Texas. The traffic congestion and air pollution caused by thousands of idling trucks is not. The Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge, one of the only points of entry capable of carrying loaded, commercial truck traffic, already sees wait times of nearly one and a half hours or more. The Anzalduas Bridge located 12 miles west carries car traffic and empty trucks going south to Mexico – but wasn’t built to assist with freight. If something is not done, congestion and fumes caused by idling 18 wheelers will only get worse.   

Solution: The Anzalduas International Bridge is expanding in order to serve as a full-service cargo port of entry, adding multiple lanes for trucks and new cargo bays for inspections. This diversion will reduce net crossing times at both International bridges. For the first year of operation, this reduction is projected to include approximately 19,563 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2), 131 metric tons of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and 54 metric tons of carbon monoxide (CO), among others.  

What they’re saying: “Today is a great day for the entire #RioGrandeValley! The Anzalduas Bridge Expansion Project will help the entire region’s cargo trade capacity. Another great exemplary project which features involvement by all forms of government and the private sector.” – McAllen Chamber President & CEO Josh Mejia  (McAllen Chamber Press Release, 10/28/2022)  

And… 

“This grant confirms what we have always preached about this project: its significance goes much beyond our region. It is a project that impacts the entire State of Texas and the United States.” – McAllen City Manager Roel “Roy” Rodriguez, P.E. (Texas Border Business, 9/13/2022)