Construction of Laredo 4/5 Bridge Secures US Presidential Permit

Southwebb Bridge Company received a presidential permit to construct, maintain, and operate the Laredo 4/5 International Bridge, a new vehicular and pedestrian crossing in Laredo, Texas. 

Located about 20km south of Laredo and connecting to Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, the 4/5 Bridge will serve as both the fourth bridge in Nuevo Laredo, and the fifth bridge overall in Laredo’s network. The new structure is designed to accommodate all forms of border crossings, including pedestrian, vehicular, and commercial traffic, aiming to alleviate congestion and improve the flow of trade.

The project has been years in the making, with its importance underscored in the Texas-Mexico Border Transportation Master Plan 2021. This plan projected an increase in demand for efficient crossings and identified the Laredo 4/5 Bridge as a critical infrastructure addition. The bridge will help reduce the pressure on the existing World Trade Bridge and the Colombia Solidarity Bridge by adding much-needed capacity for both passenger and commercial vehicles.

As international trade continues to grow, Laredo has become the top inland port in the United States, and this new crossing is expected to further strengthen its position. The bridge’s strategic location will serve key commercial routes, connecting Texas with Mexico’s industrial hubs, and enhancing logistics along the border.

Officials highlight the project’s potential to improve commercial transport between the United States and Mexico, create jobs, and foster regional development. “The 4/5 bridge will not only facilitate trade but also enhance security and mobility, strengthening the entire region’s economy,” says Tano Tijerina, Judge at Webb County.

In a press release, Tijerina says that the bridge is expected to significantly reduce border wait times, improving supply chain efficiency and attracting businesses reliant on fast and secure cross-border operations. This efficiency boost could benefit not only local businesses but also global trade networks that depend on the Mexico-US corridor for a variety of industries, from automotive to consumer goods.

The project has garnered bipartisan political support, with US Senator Ted Cruz and US Representative Henry Cuellar praising the quick approval of the presidential permit. Cruz celebrates the success of the project on his X account, stating that the bridge will “massively increase trade with our neighbor to the south and boost the resiliency of our supply chain.”

Cuellar posts on X that he was proud of helping to secure this critical approval, adding that the new bridge would strengthen Webb County’s position as a key player in international trade.

Once completed, the Laredo 4/5 Bridge will play a pivotal role in enhancing cross-border mobility and securing the region’s place as a central hub for North American trade. Tijerina also emphasizes the economic benefits the project promises, such as faster and more efficient commercial transport, which would strengthen local businesses and reduce border wait times.

The bridge is poised to create numerous jobs, not only during the construction phase but also in the long term. By attracting increased trade and tourism, the infrastructure will drive further economic development in the region.