Pharr International Bridge gets expansion for quicker entry

The City of Pharr expanded and opened up its northbound lane and a second border safety inspection facility for trucks coming from Mexico.

Pharr International Bridge Director Luis Bazan said nearly a third of the 2,700 trucks that cross daily will go through this new zone. This will allow produce and other goods to get to the U.S. quicker.

“We have to have all the bells and whistles ready to move those trucks out of here; especially perishables, we can not allow perishables to sit in the truck, especially not on the bridge, and particularly not at the port," Bazan said.

The expansion was made possible by the Donations Acceptance Program (DAP). It allows CBP to accept donations from its private sector and government entities to improve infrastructure.

Pharr City Manager Jonathan Flores expects this new entry and exit point to provide an economic boost for the city.

“They are now going to have an additional location where they are going to be entered and exit through and it's going to increase the efficiency of our bridge operations and our port," Flores said.

Flores says their efforts will also bring new customers to the area and Mexican officials are also working on other expansion projects.

Bazan says other projects will soon be announced, including an agriculture facility and a new bridge adjacent that will double the port of entry’s current capacity.