Pharr Bridge may go 100 percent truck traffic

Rio Grande Guardian
BY MARIO MUÑOZ AND STEVE TAYLOR 
OCTOBER 22, 2023

PHARR, Texas – Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez says the Pharr International Bridge could be given over exclusively to commercial trucks in the coming years, with passenger vehicles having to use other ports of entry in the Rio Grande Valley.

Hernandez spoke to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service about the future of the Valley’s busiest bridge for trade during his city’s recent Start of the Produce Season festivities. 

“We will do whatever the population requires. Demand is what drives this,” Hernandez said. “So, if there is absolutely a need for us to be fully commercial, then that’s what we will do. If there’s still a need to be hybrid for the benefit of all residents, then that’s what we’ll do. It is evolving with time.”

Pharr Bridge Director Luis Bazan agreed. He told the Guardian: “These are conversations we’ve had in the last several years. These are conversations that have either been sparked by the federal government, by CBP, or even from us and having different conversations with different trade partners. You know, we’ve talked about extending hours of operation. There’s a couple of businesses out there that in the past years have talked about going 24 hours. So, the mayor said it best, it’s evolving.”

CBP stands for Customs and Border Protection. 

Both Hernandez and Bazan spoke from the podium at the 2023-24 Start of the Produce Season celebrations. The event drew hundreds of people, including elected officials, economic development leaders and those that work in the fresh produce industry. As in other years, bags of fruit and vegetables were available for take away and local eateries had stands so those attending could taste food made from the produce that crosses the Pharr Bridge. 

“This is our 10th anniversary. I can’t believe time has flown by,” Hernandez told the Guardian. “But, as you know, this is a very special event not only for the City of Pharr but also the City of Reynosa. And for both nations, the United States and Mexico, because this bridge literally feeds the world when it comes to vegetables and fruits. We are just delighted to be part of it. We are so blessed to be allowed to be a participant in that endeavor.”

Hernandez said what pleased him most were the speeches from officials from the State of Tamaulipas. 

“They view us in the same light that we view them. We are one family. We’re one united region. We want prosperity. We want good health. And we want good jobs for both our populations,” Hernandez told the Guardian.

“And so we’re in full alignment of what we need to do for this region and if it benefits the rest of the world, so be it. But our priority is to be sure the residents of Pharr and Reynosa get what they deserve for all this investment, by creating great jobs and a better quality of life. So we’re excited.”

The Guardian had just interviewed one of the VIPs in attendance, state Sen. Juan Hinojosa of McAllen. Hinojosa’s comments were relayed to Hernandez: that Hinojosa’s colleagues in the Senate know all about Pharr and they appreciate its importance to the state.

“That is right. From the Governor’s office, to (Lt. Gov.) Dan Patrick in the Senate, all the chairmen of the transportation committees, our very own Terry Canales in the House and Robert Nichols in the Senate, they are fully briefed about what we do and they’re fully aware of the contributions this bridge makes for the state of Texas, and the prosperity and health of its residents.”

Hernandez said state leaders fully support the expansion of the Pharr Bridge. Construction of a second span is slated to start in the summer of 2024 so that, by the end of 2025, the bridge’s capacity will have doubled. 

“It is our hope that more people utilize this bridge. That they visit our great region and come shop and stay here in the Rio Grande Valley. And, likewise, that we take advantage of the attractions of Reynosa and interact with our people to the south, the people of Reynosa and Mexico.”

In his interview, Sen. Hinojosa pointed out that the Legislature had committed $20 million towards construction of the Pharr Bridge’s second span. In addition, he said TxDOT had been given $150 million for the International Border Trade Corridor, which will take truck traffic from the Pharr and Donna international bridges to I-2 and I-69 Central.

“We appreciate this investment. We’ve been working through the RGV Metropolitan Planning Organization,” Hernandez said.

“The IBTC will alleviate traffic so you don’t have those semis moving products through our downtown area. It will start on Military Highway and end up (in conjunction with the planned State Highway 68) north of Edinburg. This way, commercial business has no interruptions, they don’t have to deal with stoplights, stop signs, congestion or traffic. But at the same time it provides substantial public safety. So those trucks are not next to our school buses or next to your vehicles where accidents potentially can happen.”

Hernandez said the additional funding for the second span is particularly welcome.

“Inflation did quite a number on all projects around the nation. Some costs grew by 30 or 40 percent. Things that are out of our control. Thankfully, the state of Texas recognized that so I thank Senator Hinojosa, Senator Nichols and Representative Canales for realizing and understanding that these cost increases have not been mismanagement. They recognize that we do not  control the rate of inflation in the construction industry.”

Bridge Director Bazan confirmed the construction times for the second span. 

“We are right on the money. Come next year, January, we’ll get our FONSI (finding of no significant impact). We’ll get our environmental assessment and clearance and then we can do the rollout as far as getting the contractor on board, with construction starting early summer 2024. So, we’re still on track to finish by October or November of 2025.”

Bazan added: 

“As I keep saying, the sky’s the limit for our city and our region. We continue to to produce an excellent product here in Pharr and all around, not just at the Bridge. The Pharr International Bridge, with the expansion, will add 100 percent capacity, making it more efficient. That’s going to open things up even more.”