Pharr and Mexico will flip a coin to see who builds the centerpiece of their bridge’s second span

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Soon, Pharr Bridge Board and their counterparts in Reynosa, Mexico, will be flipping a coin to decide who builds the centerpiece of the second span of the international bridge.

That’s according to Luis Bazan, Pharr’s bridge director. In an interview with the Rio Grande Guardian, Bazan said great progress is being made with the project.

“On August 14 we’ll do the groundbreaking for the bridge expansion finally. And, also, for our DAP 16 project. So, we’re really looking forward to that August the 14th. We will be out here by the bridge, breaking ground. That’s our side of the bridge,” Bazan said.

“That’s one and a half miles of bridge. Mexico is pretty much done. They will be done by the end of August. We’re there. So, right now we’re at that part in the juncture where we flip the coin to see who’s going to get to build the centerpiece that connects both ends of the bridge together.”

Asked when the second span will be fully completed, Bazan said: “The ultimate timeline is still the same. So, we begin construction in August, and then finalize the entire project by November 2025. So, we are saying last quarter, 2025, because there’s always the possibility of delays with construction, possible change orders, the weather. So last quarter 2025.”

Asked if all the environmental studies have been complete, Bazan said:

“We’ve we cleared that hurdle. We cleared that last year. The only thing pending at the beginning of this year was basically the collaboration between IBWC and their counterparts in Mexico. That was a permit that was needed. After that we needed the Coast Guard permit. We’ve gone through that. And we’re finalizing everything and we’re ready to roll. That’s why we’re having our groundbreaking. So, exciting news.”

Full details about the second span are given on the Pharr Bridge Board’s website. It states:

The Expansion Project will add a ‘twin span’ adjacent to the existing Bridge, essentially doubling its capacity. The new span will add 4 lanes and a sidewalk to the existing 4 lanes and will include features such as two crossovers, additional lighting and electronic signage that will facilitate the flow of traffic, reduce wait times and enhance safety. The additional four lanes will also greatly enhance the capability to reduce the time to respond to any problems on the Bridge, such as accidents or mechanical breakdowns. At the crossovers linking the two bridges, it is envisioned that the number of northbound lanes will transition from four up to possibly six lanes. The six lanes entering the Port will allow for proper separation of northbound traffic (e.g., FAST, non-FAST, and empty trucks on the commercial side; and SENTRI, Ready Lane and other cars on the passenger vehicle side). Nevertheless, the City is working closely with CBP and GSA as the twin span is being designed to ensure the new span’s connection to the federal Port of Entry will fully support CBP operations.

DAP 15

In his interview with the Guardian, Bazan also spoke about DAP 15. He said a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the project will be held at the bridge on July 29.

DAP stands for Donations Acceptance Program. Under DAP, the private sector and bridge owners, such as the City of Pharr, can augment funding from the federal General Services Administration to speed up construction of infrastructure projects at international ports of entry.

The Pharr Bridge Board website gives full details on DAP 15. It states:

Two Commercial Entry Lanes/Booths

The expansion of the roadway leading to the Mexico customs export lot, along with the entry booths on the U.S. side will help expedite the flow of commercial traffic from Mexico to the U.S., allowing for more capacity on the bridge and the ability to inspect more trucks at one time. Additionally, it will create a direct passage for secure, certified and empty trucks, also known as gate-to-gate; dedicated FAST Certified Cargo and Pre-Certified Empties.

Two Commercial Exit Lanes/Booths

The exit booth expansion and relocation will help expedite the flow of traffic inside the port, all while providing a more efficient connectivity to the new BSIF to complete the truck inspection process and get the cargo from its origin to its destination on time. Additionally, it will create a direct passage for secure, certified and empty trucks, also known as gate-to-gate; dedicated FAST Certified Cargo and Pre-Certified Empties.

Fresh on the Border

Bazan also announced that Fresh on the Border will take place October 9 thru 12.

“Fresh on the Border is something that was started by the City of Pharr, by the leadership and we’re adding to it. So, this year on October 9, we’re kicking off the whole week with a golf tournament for the produce companies,” Bazan said.

“On October 10, we’re doing the Start of the Produce Season. Event. This is going to be our 11th Annual Start of the Produce Season, along with our 3rd Annual A Taste of Trade.

“Following that, on October 11, we’re going to have a full day of programming on trade talks. Ken Roberts of World City will be there to give us our latest trade numbers. And we are looking to have some of our primary trade associations like NASCO and COMSE to come in there and give us a few discussion points on what’s going on with the overall trade economy.

“Then, on October 12, we will have the Avocado Festival, a great community event that is spearheaded by the Pharr Chamber of Commerce. So, again, it’s basically the trade produce industry and the community coming together for a full week called Fresh on the Border.”

Somos Mas Que Solo un Puente

Bazan said that with the construction of a second span, the Pharr Bridge Board is building the future.

“Our latest tagline is, We’re More Than Just a Bridge. We’ve been talking about this at least for a year. Somos Mas Que Solo un Puente,” Bazan said.

“If you think about it, it’s got two different meanings behind it. mas que solo un puente, meaning more than just a bridge, because we are going to be more than just one bridge. Literally, we will have a second span, the second bridge to our name, increasing our capacity by 100 percent. But also, because it’s a team effort.”

Bazan said that team effort involved Pharr Bridge Board working with Pharr Economic Development Corporation and the Pharr Chamber of Commerce.

“This is under the under the umbrella of the Pharr Border Business Advancement Initiative. And that is what we bring to the table. We just reinforce our strengths and coming together to offer better services and more efficiency and being more effective for the trade community, for the industrial developers and for any that anything else that’s coming our way in Pharr.”

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