World Trade Bridge expansion clears binational review, secures $25M grant

The expansion of Laredo’s World Trade Bridge has cleared another major milestone after completing the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) review and securing a $25 million federal Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant, moving one of the nation’s busiest commercial border crossings closer to construction. 

Spanning the Rio Grande and connecting the United States and Mexico, the World Trade Bridge carries about 40% of commercial trade between the two countries. The expansion is intended to reduce freight bottlenecks at one of North America’s busiest commercial ports of entry, where traffic volumes have outgrown the bridge’s existing eight lanes. 

Because the bridge crosses an international boundary, the expansion requires federal, state and binational approvals beyond those typically associated with domestic bridge projects. Officials on both sides of the border are working through those requirements to reduce congestion and improve the movement of freight. 

One of the project’s most significant recent milestones was completion of the IBWC review, which determined that the expansion will not interfere with treaty obligations, flood control or river operations. 

Following the review, officials approved conceptual plans for a new 1,479-foot, eight-lane bridge dedicated to northbound commercial traffic alongside the existing World Trade Bridge. The project would also add two southbound lanes to the existing bridge, increasing the crossing’s total capacity from eight lanes to 18, while simplifying access to customs screening. Officials say the additional capacity and improved customs access will help ease freight congestion and speed the movement of goods between the two countries. Plans also include upgraded lighting and signage, along with a stormwater filtration system designed to prevent hazardous materials from reaching the Rio Grande. 

The project also received a $25 million BUILD grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. While the award will fund only a portion of the overall project, it provides additional federal support as the expansion advances through the remaining review, permitting and funding process. 

Laredo was among several Texas entities receiving BUILD funding this year. Texas received a total of $105 million, the largest allocation of any state, to support major highway, freight and rail transportation projects. 

Meanwhile, the Texas Department of Transportation has submitted the draft environmental assessment and design drawings, while the city of Laredo has secured a Presidential Permit for the project. Federal agencies are reviewing the final conceptual plans and flood-model studies.  

The city expects to apply for funding through the federal Donations Acceptance Program in early 2027. The program allows public entities to contribute funding for federally managed land ports of entry and related infrastructure improvements. The application process is expected to take about nine months. Construction would begin after the remaining environmental reviews, permitting and funding commitments are completed.

Photo by Paskvi from Pixabay