Rep. Cuellar Secures Over $86 Million for the Completion of the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge Expansion and Modernization Project
Written by Post Public Information Representative, Sep 16, 2019, 0 Comments
Courtesy Charlotte Laracy,
Congressman Attends Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony with the City of Laredo, Customs and Border Protection, and General Services Administration
Laredo, TX—Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) secured $86 million for the completion of the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge Expansion and modernization project. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, the Congressman secured over $100 million for the renovation projects for Bridge I and Bridge II. Specifically, the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge received $86,703,808.
The completion of the Bridge II Project will significantly ease pedestrian and vehicle traffic as well as upgrade the facility to increase efficiency and functionality. Since 1995, bus traffic has increased 98% and bus passenger traffic by 233%. The Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge is ranked as one of the busiest crossing for bus passengers, processing 41,856 buses and 1,039,605 bus passengers in 2016. In the same year, Bridge II processed an additional 4,605,050 automobiles.
The renovations include a New Vehicle Processing Facility with new lanes, x-ray and waiting areas, bathrooms and inspection canopies, which will improve the flow and processing of bus and automobile traffic. Additional improvements include replaced utilities, electric, paving, walkways, curbs, gutters, storm drainage, exterior communications and information facilities, fire protection and alarm systems, site improvements, as well as a dedicated Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration area with permanent inspection facilities.
“The Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge is critical to our community and nation’s economic prosperity,” said Congressman Cuellar. “That is why, since 2014, I have been dedicated to funding the expansion and maintenance of this bridge. This expansion will grow our local economy, and greatly enhance trade and travel on the U.S.-Mexico border. The completion and opening of the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge is one of the most important infrastructure projects undertaken in Texas.”
“I would like to thank CBP Director of Field Operations for the Laredo Field Office David Higgerson, Laredo Port of Entry Port Director Albert Flores, City of Laredo Mayor Pete Saenz, General Services Administration (GSA) Regional Administrator Robert “Bobby” Babcock and Regional Commissioner Giancarlo Brizzi, and former GSA Regional Administrator Sylvia Hernandez for their hard work and dedication on this project.”
