Port Laredo awarded new $25 million BUILD grant to support US-Mexico trade

As the US continues to negotiate the future of USMCA, Port Laredo in Texas – the nation’s leading inland port and the busiest land gateway for US-Mexico trade – was awarded a $25 million federal BUILD Grant for the World Trade Bridge expansion project. Felipe “Flip” Romero, Senior Marketing Communications Executive for the City of Laredo, says this new funding reflects continued federal investment in infrastructure to support cross-border trade and the long-term growth of North American commerce.

Building Bridges

About the BUILD Grant, Rep. Henry Cuellar from Texas says, “This investment will help add two new lanes to the existing bridge and construct a new eight-lane northbound commercial bridge, increasing capacity, reducing congestion, and keeping goods moving more efficiently through our nation’s busiest commercial port of entry.”

The Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program provides US Department of Transportation (USDOT) funding for surface transportation infrastructure projects with significant local or regional impact. This grant is dedicated to eligible construction activities associated with the World Trade Bridge expansion and will be matched with local funding in accordance with the grant requirements.

“The BUILD Grant represents a significant federal investment in the future of North American trade,” explains Elsa Hinojosa, Bridge Systems Director for the City of Laredo. “These funds will help advance critical infrastructure improvements that expand commercial capacity, strengthen supply chain resilience, and improve the efficient movement of goods across the US-Mexico border. This partnership between the federal government and the City of Laredo reinforces the strategic importance of Port Laredo to the nation’s economy.”

The World Trade Bridge expansion includes widening the existing bridge by adding two southbound lanes and constructing a new span bridge – approximately 1,479 feet long – across the Rio Grande River on the border between US and Mexico. The new bridge would be located on new right-of-way to be acquired by the City of Laredo, providing eight northbound lanes and a safety walkway.

On June 18, 2026, US International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC) Commissioner Chad McIntosh joined Rep. Cuellar and Laredo Mayor Dr. Victor D. Treviño to sign the conceptual designs for the World Trade Bridge expansion. The IBWC reviews and approves international bridge designs and related works that affect the international boundary and shared rivers. According to USIBWC, the signed conceptual plans represent formal binational approval under the boundary and water treaties that govern international crossings between the US and Mexico.

Another significant milestone was recently achieved with approval of the project’s Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) on July 6, 2026, completing an important step in the federal environmental review process under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Issuance of the FONSI confirms that the environmental assessment has been completed and allows the project to continue advancing through the remaining design, permitting, and funding milestones necessary before construction begins.

Last year, AJOT reported that construction was expected to start this summer, however, the project schedule has been refined, and construction is currently anticipated to begin in Summer 2027. “This timeline reflects the continued coordination necessary to advance a project of this scale, including the ongoing USMCA review, planned toll rate considerations, and collaboration with stakeholders to ensure the project is positioned for long-term success,” Romero reports. “The World Trade Bridge Expansion remains one of the City of Laredo’s highest infrastructure priorities.”

Border Crossings

“Continued growth in nearshoring, advanced manufacturing, and integrated North American supply chains underscores the importance of maintaining efficient, reliable cross-border infrastructure,” Romero continues. “The City of Laredo continues advancing major infrastructure investments focused on increasing commercial capacity, improving freight mobility, and modernizing the international bridge system. The World Trade Bridge Expansion and planned improvements at the Colombia-Solidarity International Bridge are key components of that long-term strategy.”

He adds, “Future improvements are designed to increase commercial processing capacity, reduce congestion, improve freight reliability, strengthen system redundancy across the international bridge network, and position Port Laredo to accommodate continued trade growth.”

In addition to the World Trade Bridge Expansion, planning and development efforts also continue for the Laredo-Colombia Solidarity International Bridge expansion, including ongoing coordination with US and Mexican partners. At this time, City of Laredo does not have a construction start date to announce.

“The Laredo-Colombia Solidarity International Bridge expansion project remains an important long-term investment that will increase system capacity, strengthen network resilience, and support future growth in cross-border trade,” Romero concludes.