Bipartisan Approval for Laredo Bridge A Win for U.S.-Mexico Trade Relations

Mexico is the United States' top trading partner, with nearly $800 billion of goods exchanged in 2023. The vast majority of that trade flows through Texas.

On Oct. 3, this bilateral relationship was lifted to new heights when the federal government approved a permit to build and operate the 4/5 International Bridge in Laredo and Webb County. The "4/5 bridge" is the fourth international bridge for the Mexican state of Tamaulipas and the fifth for Webb County. This is the first new bridge for Port Laredo-Webb County since the World Trade Bridge was completed in Laredo in 2000, when U.S.-Mexico trade was valued at about $245 billion.

This will become the first private-public partnership model for future ports of entry. Once built, this critical infrastructure will reduce border wait times, alleviate congestion on existing international bridges and facilitate greater throughput across the U.S.-Mexico border to accommodate the anticipated growth in North American trade.

Greater throughput means economic benefits on both sides of the border, increasing job opportunities and benefiting consumers. However, this is just a start. To remain economically competitive and keep up with trade volumes, we must explore additional infrastructure upgrades and new technology, while continuing to advocate for policies that encourage and maximize the safe and secure flow of goods and people between Mexico and the United States.

The growth in cross-border trade is outpacing the infrastructure we have to support it. On average, 18,500 trucks per day cross through the Port of Laredo, the busiest port in the nation. Meanwhile, the Texas Department of Transportation estimates that commercial motor vehicle movement across the border will grow from about 5 million crossings in 2019 to 12 million in 2050.

The predictions are even more concerning when considering our existing infrastructure deficiencies. According to TxDOT, bridge conditions in the Texas border counties have declined steadily since 2014. Coupled with unstandardized customs procedures and outdated technology, these challenges will undermine our efforts to accommodate trade growth, to promote near-shoring and onshoring of supply chains, and to maintain the North American bloc's dominant position in the world economy.

We can begin to tackle this problem through the adoption and advancement of smart and innovative technologies, such as self-reporting apps to track and request vehicle information, and smart infrastructure, such as retractable barriers, to address bottlenecks and reduce conditions that increase wait times. We can also encourage the development of designated-use ports and advocate for the expanded use of the Fast and Secure Trade Program that provides trusted shippers a speedier process for entering the U.S.

Beyond technology and efficiency upgrades, our officials must collaborate to invest in a robust transportation network that encourages the safe and efficient movement of people and goods between the U.S. and Mexico.

To improve traffic flow and safety, we must address traffic along the Interstate 35 corridor between Laredo and San Antonio. The Texas Transportation Commission reports that 43% of I-35 between San Antonio and Laredo consists of less than six lanes. Yet, several proposed I-35 projects in this region are unfunded or only partially funded.

Obtaining presidential approval for the bridge required work at every level of government and across party lines. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, a Republican, and U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, a Democrat, were instrumental in these efforts. We need more bipartisan support to make improvements for the modern demands of cross-border trade.

Local, state and federal officials must work together, investing in transportation projects and technology to keep our trade moving safely and efficiently, ensuring economic prosperity for Texas, the United States and Mexico.

Gerald Schwebel is executive vice president of IBC Bank.