For the third time in just as many weeks, the White House has delivered good news for Port of Entry (POE) bridge projects along the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas.
The White House is announcing a presidential permit for the city of Eagle Pass to expand and maintain a vehicular and pedestrian border crossing at the Camino Real International Bridge Land POE. The permit – a formal authorization required for cross-border infrastructure projects – will clear the way for construction activities on the bridge.
Eagle Pass’ Camino Real International Bridge Expansion Project seeks to improve the aging bridge while enhancing the efficiency of pedestrian and vehicle traffic. The project will add a new six-lane bridge span adjacent to the existing bridge, expanding access to the fourth largest commercial crossing in Texas, according to U.S. Senator John Cornyn in a letter to the White House.
The permit enables the city to work on the bridge and surrounding areas, including approaches, land, structures, installations and equipment within half a mile south of the Eagle Pass-Piedras Negras International Bridge and north of the Union Pacific rail bridge.
Project officials anticipate the bridge project will be a crucial step in modernizing the city’s comprehensive trade program to meet the emerging demands of residents, businesses and infrastructure.
While no construction timeline has been announced, the bridge project faces several hurdles prior to construction, including an environmental review, additional local municipal approval and diplomatic negotiations between the U.S. federal government and Mexico. Without construction activities, Eagle Pass’ presidential permit will expire after five years.
Notably, the White House has awarded three presidential permits to municipalities and companies that plan to expand cross-border bridges for freight, commuter and commercial traffic.
On June 9, the White House announced a permit for Green Corridors, LLC, to construct, maintain and operate an innovative international bridge for freight traffic in Laredo. The proposed bridge, referred to as a commercial elevated guideway border crossing, would utilize autonomous shuttles to transport goods, enhancing efficiency and reducing traffic on nearby bridges.
The White House announced a second permit for a bridge project in Laredo on June 13, encompassing an expansion of the Laredo-Colombia Solidarity International Bridge Land POE. While not autonomous, the bridge expansion seeks to raise Laredo’s ranking as one of the top POE in the nation and enhance leadership in international trade.
The three new presidential permits now mark the sixth the region has received over the last six years, spanning both the current and previous administrations.
Image by Mike from Pixabay
