Juarez and El Paso authorities analyze impact of Cordova-Americas bridge closure

The mayor of Juarez, Cruz Pérez Cuéllar, held a meeting on Monday with authorities from El Paso County, Texas, to discuss issues related to cross-border infrastructure and logistics, in light of the possible closure of the Cordova-Americas (BOTA) bridge.

According to the mayor, the meeting allowed for an exchange of views on how international crossings could be affected and what measures would be necessary on both sides of the border to mitigate the impact. Pérez Cuéllar pointed out that the Jerónimo-Santa Teresa crossing requires improvements and raised the need to strengthen connectivity with the Guadalupe-Tornillo port.

Roberto Ransom, director of Economic Development for El Paso County, warned that the closure of the Cordova-Americas Bridge will mean the loss of six commercial lanes, which could cause delays in crossing times. He added that authorities are looking for alternatives to reorganize cargo flow before construction begins.

“This visit is part of an effort to better understand the binational dynamics of the region and evaluate opportunities at other border crossings,” he explained.

He also indicated that it will be necessary to optimize the distribution of commercial traffic through new strategic alliances in order to preserve the region's economic competitiveness.

The meeting was attended by Ricardo Samaniego, El Paso County judge; Mariana Barraza, director of International Affairs; Mauricio Ibarra Ponce de León, Mexican consul general in El Paso; Claudia Escudero, director of Governance and Trade Promotion Affairs; and Betsy Keller, county administrator.

Representing the Borderplex Alliance were its CEO, Jon Barela, and Marcos Delgado, vice president of the organization.