Tamaulipas announces a US$74.9 million investment in border infrastructure

The Tamaulipas Ministry of Economy and officials in Laredo, Texas, held a follow-up meeting on the World Trade Bridge Expansion Project, one of the most important border crossings for trade between Mexico and the United States.

The meeting outlined the latest progress on the project, which includes the construction of eight new toll booths, eight additional northbound lanes, two additional lanes on the existing bridge, and four Multi-Energy inspection portals for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The plan also encompasses the completion of work on the Mex II Bypass, representing a combined investment of over US$74.9 million.

According to the data presented, bilateral trade between Mexico and the United States is expected to reach US$44 billion in 2024. The Laredo port handled US$18.1 billion, maintaining its position as the highest-value merchandise crossing for the second consecutive year.

The expansion project aims to streamline trade flows, reduce logistics times, and increase operational capacity along one of North America’s main cargo corridors. The bidding process is scheduled for 2026, with completion targeted for 2028.

State and municipal authorities highlighted that the bridge expansion is crucial for strengthening regional competitiveness and addressing the growing demand for commercial transit across the border.

The meeting included participants from both the public and private sectors, such as Carlos Irán Ramírez, Undersecretary of Investment, Funds, and Trusts of Tamaulipas; Juan Carlos Mendoza, Consul General of Mexico in Laredo; businessman Eduardo Garza; Alfredo Montes, president of the Nuevo Laredo Customs Agents Association; and federal legislators.

Currently, the World Trade Bridge serves as the main land freight crossing between Mexico and the United States and is considered a strategic infrastructure for the country’s foreign trade.