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A Yearlong Celebration of the World Trade Bridge

The City of Laredo is set to initiate an extensive celebration to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the World Trade Bridge, a crucial commercial artery that has propelled Laredo to the forefront as the premier inland port in the United States.

Inaugurated on April 15, 2000, the World Trade Bridge has successfully transitioned from a solution to downtown traffic issues into one of the busiest commercial crossing points in the entire Western Hemisphere. It manages over 6 million truck crossings each year and facilitates the trade of more than $339 billion in goods, outpacing some major maritime and land ports, including those in Los Angeles, Houston, and Chicago. Laredo Mayor Dr. Víctor D. Treviño proudly notes, “This bridge, which is the anchor of our port, represents the shared vision of two nations and two sister cities that, through strategic planning and joint investment, has transformed a region into a global logistics powerhouse.”

Expansion Efforts to Enhance Trade Capacity

As part of the ongoing progression of the World Trade Bridge's capabilities, on May 31, 2024, the U.S. president approved a substantial expansion proposal. The forthcoming expansion will consist of constructing a new eight-lane bridge specifically for northbound commercial traffic and adding more lanes to the existing bridge for southbound traffic. This initiative is designed to improve traffic flow, alleviate congestion, and strengthen the port's capacity to accommodate the escalating demands of international trade.

From Bottleneck to Binational Beacon

The concept of the bridge arose in response to traffic congestion encountered in downtown Laredo during the NAFTA era. With collaborative support from both nations, construction reached completion in less than two years. Originally opened with eight lanes dedicated to commercial traffic, the bridge has since expanded to fourteen lanes, showcasing the port's capacity to manage over 40% of all U.S.-Mexico land trade. Daily, traffic ranges between 15,000 and 18,000 trucks transporting everything from vehicles and medical equipment to fresh produce and consumer electronics.

A Strategic Hub Connecting the Americas

Beyond simply linking the U.S. and Mexico, the World Trade Bridge has emerged as a vital hub for trade across the Americas. Goods from Colombia, Brazil, Peru, and other nations enter the U.S. through Mexicos ports, such as Manzanillo and Veracruz, before making their way north through Laredo.

Laredo: The New Standard for Nearshoring

In light of the ongoing reconfiguration of global supply chains, Port Laredo's secure, technology-driven infrastructure has positioned it as the go-to gateway for nearshoring and regional manufacturing integration. The celebratory campaign for the 25th anniversary will feature a series of binational events, industry-focused panels, and a regional trade summit to spotlight Laredo's evolving influence in the context of global commerce.

Stay Updated on the Celebrations

To keep abreast of anniversary events, trade summits, and other pertinent news, be sure to visit www.portlaredo.com and subscribe to the newsletter for the latest updates. You can also follow Port Laredo on social media platforms including Facebook and LinkedIn.

About Port Laredo

Port Laredo is recognized as the leading inland port in the nation and a pivotal player in the realm of international trade. Situated on the U.S.-Mexico border, it functions as a crucial logistics center for North American and hemispheric commerce. With its advantageous geographic position, state-of-the-art customs infrastructure, and multimodal connectivity, Port Laredo facilitates the movement of over $330 billion in goods annually and significantly contributes to the bolstering of regional economies and international supply chains.