Whoo! Brownsville first rail bridge to Mexico in centuries

BROWNSVILLE – A new railroad bridge spanning the Rio Grande outside Brownsville is now largely completed.

When it opens, it will mark the end of a 15-year effort by local officials to move freight trains crossing into Matamoros, Mexico, out of downtown Brownsville, the southernmost city in Texas.

Most of the work on the new crossing is done, but the Mexican government is in the process of setting up its security checkpoint, which will screen traffic in both directions until the U.S. can move its equipment once the existing rail crossing is closed.

Mexico’s half of the project has paid $80 million for the changes, which will also help the Mexican City of Matamoros. On the other hand, the American share was the most difficult part of the project.

The Brownsville and Cameron County officials cobbled together $40 million from other sources.

Most of the money came from the federal government, although that was divided among several agencies.

Many extra regulations are required before completion of the project. State Department, the Federal Railroad Administration and the state of Texas had to review the project for environmental impacts.

The new international railroad runs around the west side of Brownsville and into the Mexican state of Tamaulipas.

It is expected to reduce more than two hours of travel time between the port of Brownsville and the manufacturing sector in Monterrey, Mexico.

More stories at the Brownsville Economic Development Council.