Gateway International Bridge in Brownsville to be modernized in $264M project

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The General Services Administration and Cameron County on Thursday announced that a contract has been awarded for a project to modernize the busy Gateway International Bridge in Brownsville.

The $263,906,507 contract was awarded to the Alabama-based company Brasfield & Gorrie LLC, which will provide design-build services for the project to strengthen security, enhance trade and create jobs by replacing all of the port of entry’s existing buildings with new state-of-the-art facilities, the GSA said in a news release.

Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño said in a separate news release that he is excited to learn the contract was awarded and said the company has a great reputation.

“I have no doubt they will do great work at Cameron County’s Gateway International Bridge. For years, Cameron County advocated for funding to see this expansion and modernization project come to fruition,” he said. “This contract award is a huge step in the process, and we are excited for the project to start.”

The plans call for a new 48,000-square-foot administration building that will replace the existing 22,000-square-foot space. The new building will provide a modern workspace for federal inspection agencies.

The inspection area will expand to 10 primary lanes and 24 secondary inspection spaces with canopies, an increase from the existing five lanes and 15 spaces.

Additionally, the 500-square-foot headhouse will be upgraded to a new 6,000-square-foot building. There will also be a new 9,000-square-foot outbound inspection area and new parking lots for staff and visitors.

The GSA said part of the funding for the project includes $213.5 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support increased port capacity while securely facilitating trade and travel.

“This contract leverages more than $50 million in Inflation Reduction Act funds that are critical to its completion, including $48.3 million for American-made low-embodied construction materials, including asphalt, concrete, glass and steel,” the GSA said. “To date, GSA has been able to source these materials at little or no cost premium compared to their higher-emitting equivalents and without sacrificing performance.”

The GSA also said the new port of entry will meet Federal Building Performance Standards by being all-electric. It will also have water-saving fixtures and energy-efficient building systems.

Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, said it’s critical that the country’s ports have the resources and infrastructure to facilitate trade and strengthen border security.

“This modernization project for the Brownsville-Gateway Land Port of Entry will improve facilities and lead to more efficient daily operations, including shortening wait times, and I thank Cameron County leaders for their efforts to make this a reality,” Cornyn said in a statement.

U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-Brownsville, said that funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for the bridge’s modernization is fantastic news for South Texas.

“By enhancing security, shortening wait times, and supporting our growing demand for cross border movement, we are ensuring Brownsville remains a competitive entrance for trade, tourism, and travel,” Gonzalez said in a statement.

The Gateway International Bridge sees approximately 92,000 passenger vehicles and 89,000 pedestrians cross each month.

“In operation since the 1920s, the port of entry has seen limited renovations since the 1990s, making this project crucial to update and modernize the facility to enhance security and efficiency,” the GSA said.

Design begins in February with construction scheduled for the summer of 2026. Completion is anticipated in late 2029.

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