Rio Grande Valley Prepares for Trade Boost as Starr-Camargo Bridge Expands to 14 Lanes
By Viviana Cervantes
October 28, 2024
The Starr-Camargo International Bridge is expanding its infrastructure from 2 to 14 lanes, making the Rio Grande Valley, Texas, home to one of the highest-capacity commercial bridges along the US-Mexico border.
This infrastructure upgrade will enable increased commercial flow, create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and modernize the region's border infrastructure.
Officials agree that this expansion will be instrumental in supporting the robust annual US-Mexico trade partnership, valued at over one trillion dollars.
The project will progress in multiple phases to enhance the efficiency of this commercial crossing, which connects Camargo, Tamaulipas, with Rio Grande City, Texas.
"Over the years, we have established this bridge as a key asset for trade, but we now need to meet the demands of modern businesses. This expansion will serve as a strategic tool for the growth of logistics, manufacturing, and commerce on both sides of the border," said Sam Vale, President of Starr-Camargo Bridge Company.
Robert Vale, the company’s Chief Operating Officer, emphasized that the project is part of a comprehensive technology modernization plan.
"This bridge will set a regional infrastructure standard, contributing to the competitiveness of the commercial sector on both sides of the border," he added.
The Goal: 14 Lanes
The initial phase of the expansion will increase capacity from 2 lanes dedicated to commercial traffic to 6, with the long-term objective of reaching 14 lanes. The project will be fully funded by private investment.
"This bridge will not only benefit Texas but will underscore our region’s significance in bilateral trade. With this infrastructure in place, we project that trade between Mexico and the United States will reach the trillion-dollar mark in the future," concluded Congressman Henry Cuellar.
To commemorate this milestone, officials, business leaders, customs agents, economic development representatives, and educational authorities from both sides of the border gathered near the bridge in Rio Grande City, Texas.
Special guests at the event included Ana Maria Garcia from Senator John Cornyn’s office; Gilberto Falcon, Mayor of Rio Grande City; Armando Taboada, CBP ADFO for Commercial Operations in Laredo; Blanca Leticia Gutiérrez, Federal Deputy from Tamaulipas; and Eduardo Garza Robles, President of Uni-trade Group.