Nuevo Leon, Laredo to Build Two New International Trade Bridges

Nuevo Leon Governor Samuel García, in collaboration with the City of Laredo, Texas, is advancing the construction of two new international bridges at the Colombia-Laredo border crossing, says Marco González, Nuevo Leon’s Minister of Regional and Agricultural Development. This project, aimed at improving trade flow between the two countries, is in advanced stages and is expected to be submitted soon to the US State Department to obtain a Presidential Permit.

González explains that the four-lane bridge will be repurposed for tourism and large vehicle crossings, while the two new bridges, each with five lanes, will serve specific functions. One will handle exports heading north to the United States, while the other will manage imports heading south to Mexico. Both governments will invest about US$60 million in total in the project.

González adds that García’s administration has made significant progress in enhancing Nuevo Leon’s connectivity with the United States and global markets, primarily by revitalizing the Colombia Customs. One of the key initiatives has been the Master Road Plan, which facilitated the construction and modernization of key roads such as the Interserrana, the Peripheral Ring, and the La Gloria-Colombia Highway, which is set to be inaugurated this month, according to González. This new route will cut 100km from travel distances, cutting up to 90 minutes in travel time, and is expected to triple international trade crossings at the Colombia-Laredo Customs.

Thanks to the investments in the border port, revenue from the Colombia Bridge increased from US$55 million in 2020 to US$98.4 million in 2024, while daily crossings grew from 600,000 to 1.2 million. The port’s modernization includes the expansion of lanes from three to five in each direction and the installation of 13 inspection booths, which has significantly improved the flow of cargo traffic.

In addition to the bridges, several projects are underway to further establish the port as a key hub for international trade. These include the creation of a cargo and passenger airport, as well as a cross-border passenger train initiative connecting Monterrey with San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas in the United States. The Colombia International Bridge is also being expanded to accommodate the growing volume of binational trade.