#Canada #Calgary #CPKC #Kansas City Southern #Ottensmeyer Bridge

CPKC Inaugurates the Patrick J. Ottensmeyer International Railway Bridge

On February 6, 2025, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) proudly unveiled the Patrick J. Ottensmeyer International Railway Bridge with a celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony held above the Rio Grande. This momentous occasion marks the official opening of a vital infrastructure that strengthens trade connectivity between the United States and Mexico.

Honoring a Remarkable Leader

The bridge pays tribute to Patrick J. Ottensmeyer, the last president and CEO of Kansas City Southern (KCS), who led the company until the historic merger with Canadian Pacific that resulted in CPKC. Keith Creel, the President and CEO of CPKC, emphasized the lasting impact of Ottensmeyer’s vision and leadership, stating, "Pat believed strongly in the work our railroaders do every day enabling trade amongst great nations. His influence is written in the history books of Kansas City Southern and the legacy of CPKC."

Ottensmeyer’s contributions to the railway industry, especially the completion of the new bridge span, are vital in maintaining efficient trade across North America’s largest inland gateway. He was an esteemed figure who served as the U.S. Chairman of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's U.S.-Mexico Economic Council (USMXECO) and was instrumental in shaping key trade agreements.

A Strategic Infrastructure Development

The Patrick J. Ottensmeyer International Railway Bridge stands as the only railroad bridge crossing the Rio Grande, linking Laredo, Texas, and Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas. This strategic gateway has been developed with a substantial investment of $100 million, more than doubling the railway capacity at this critical border point.

Key features of the bridge include:

• - A new second track bridge, extending a total length of 1,170 feet.
• - Built with six reinforced concrete piers, the ballasted deck plate girder design ensures robust structural integrity.
• - The layout of the second track bridge, located approximately 35 feet from the existing one, allows simultaneous operation of trains in both directions.
• - An additional 4,500 feet of new railway track for improved logistical efficiency.
• - Enhanced border security features, including a VACIS X-ray railcar inspection system and surveillance cameras, ensuring secure transport processes.

With these advancements, CPKC significantly enhances the cross-border trade operations, solidifying the U.S.'s largest trading corridor with Mexico.

The Future of CPKC

CPKC, headquartered in Calgary, Canada, is the first and only single-line transnational railway serving Canada, the United States, and Mexico. With about 20,000 route miles of rail and a dedicated workforce of 20,000 railroaders, CPKC stands at the forefront of providing unparalleled rail service to its North American customers. The completion and dedication of the Ottensmeyer Bridge mark another step in CPKC's commitment to expanding trade opportunities and connectivity across the continent.

For more information about CPKC and the services offered, visit cpkcr.com.