Veterans International Bridge expansion project completed

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The long-awaited expansion of the Veterans International Bridge in Brownsville has arrived.

New lanes are expected to reduce weight times and increase border traffic.The bridge is one of three in Cameron County and links Brownsville with Matamoros.

On Wednesday, U.S. Senator John Cornyn, Congressman Vincente Gonzalez and other city officials attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Construction began in 2022 and includes four new vehicle lanes and eight new inspection spaces.

The $18 million project is expected to increase trade between the United States and Mexico and decrease wait times for travelers and truckers who use the port of entry daily.

"Brownsville provides a path to transport goods, services and visitors between the United States and our neighbors to the south," said Cornyn. "As we all know Mexico is our #1 trading partner."

In Matamoros, the bridge goes straight into a busy commercial and retail section of town and in Brownsville, it lies at the end of I-69.

The bridge opened in 1999 and officials say the new features installed will allow for greater efficiency at the border.