The City seeks the Department of State’s approval and issuance of a Presidential Permit in favor of the City’s application to construct a Fifth International Bridge and supports the County of Webb to construct a railroad bridge near the existing Colombia Solidarity Bridge.

The Port of Laredo serves as the largest inland port on the U.S./Mexico border and as such, its goal is to provide effective transportation of people, goods, and services between the two nations. Growth in trade and related services, coupled with dramatic economic and population growth on both sides of the border has increased border traffic on Laredo’s four International Bridges and the existing railroad bridge. As such, the City proposes to construct a Fifth International Bridge crossing to accommodate the continuing growth in vehicular and pedestrian traffic and supports the County in their quest to construct a railroad bridge at Colombia.

Laredo’s Fifth Bridge, (Nuevo Laredo’s Fourth Bridge) is intended to be a full service, non-commercial crossing and is proposed to be constructed in South Laredo to connect to U.S. Highway 83 and Mexico 85 in Nuevo Laredo. Preliminary project cost is estimated to be $31 million, which includes the bridge structure, the approach ramp, transition area and support facilities.

The City of Laredo submitted concurrent permit applications in September 2003 to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the U.S. Department of State. TxDOT granted permit approval on May 27, 2004. Presidential Permit approval by the U.S Dept of State is pending. There exists a competing bridge permit application submitted by the County of Webb. However, the City of Laredo intends to work in partnership with the County of Webb on the construction of a Fifth International Non-Commercial Bridge, joining the Mexican State of Tamaulipas and the State of Texas.

The City of Laredo also supports the County of Webb’s goal to construct a railroad bridge near the existing Colombia Solidarity Bridge. This project will reduce traffic congestion caused by the current location of railroad line, address the increase in railroad traffic, reduce accidents between motor and rail vehicles and provide more efficient rail transportation.