What's New
A busy bridge on the U.S.-Mexico border is set to undergo a $264 million overhaul aimed at streamlining traffic flow in and out of Brownsville, Texas.
The General Services Administration (GSA) announced on Friday that it has awarded a contract of this value for the project to Alabama-based general contractor Brasfield & Gorrie to work on the Brownsville-Gateway Land Port of Entry.
Why It Matters
The overhaul of the crossing—one of the busiest ports of entry between the U.S. and Mexico—is expected to improve border security and immigration enforcement by expanding inspection capabilities and streamlining operations.
It comes as the United States braces for President-elect Donald Trump to enact a hard-line immigration agenda, with stricter border measures, leading to heightened concerns over mass deportations.
What To Know
Funded by federal infrastructure laws, the overhaul includes the use of low-carbon materials, enhancing efficiency at the critical trade and travel hub.
Key upgrades include doubling the number of primary vehicle inspection lanes from five to 10 and expanding secondary inspection spaces with the addition of nine canopied lanes, bringing the total to 24. The project will also feature the construction of a 48,000 square foot U.S. Customs and Border Protection building, according to the GSA.
By doubling the vehicle inspection lanes and increasing secondary inspection spaces, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) can process a larger volume of vehicles and pedestrians more efficiently. This will help reduce congestion, ensuring that security checks are thorough but timely, preventing potential security threats from being overlooked in long wait times.
The customs building and integration of non-intrusive inspection technologies further support the enforcement of immigration laws. With upgraded facilities, CBP will have improved resources to conduct inspections, as well canines and advanced technology to increase the effectiveness of immigration enforcement while maintaining trade flow.
Located on nine acres in downtown Brownsville, the port processes approximately 92,000 passenger vehicles and 89,000 pedestrians monthly via the Gateway International Bridge, which connects with Matamoros in Mexico. It has been operating since the 1920s but has had limited renovations since the 1990s.
The latest renovations will transform the port into an all-electric facility, incorporating water-saving measures and energy-efficient features, according to the GSA.
The construction materials will help cut carbon emissions by up to 300 metric tons, according to the administration.
This project uses $213.5 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and over $50 million from the Inflation Reduction Act, including $48.3 million for low-carbon construction materials like asphalt, concrete, glass and steel.
What People Are Saying
Republican Senator John Cornyn, of Texas, told Newsweek: "Now more than ever, it is critical that our nation's ports of entry are equipped with the resources and infrastructure needed to facilitate trade and strengthen border security.
"This modernization project for the Brownsville-Gateway Land Port of Entry will improve facilities and lead to more efficient daily operations, including shortening wait times."
CBP Acting Deputy Commissioner Pete Flores said: "This complete overhaul of the primary lanes and CBP administrative building infrastructure at Gateway is a vital, much-needed project that will provide our employees with the updated workspace essential to fulfilling our national and economic security mission.
"This critical infrastructure project will enable CBP to be able to process a much larger volume of passenger vehicle and pedestrian traffic while still upholding the agency's priority border security mission through an effective deployment of CBP officers, canines, and non-intrusive inspection system technology."
Democratic Congressman Vicente Gonzalez said: "Thanks to funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the modernization of the Brownsville-Gateway land port of entry is fantastic news for South Texas.
"By enhancing security, shortening wait times, and supporting our growing demand for cross-border movement, we are ensuring Brownsville remains a competitive entrance for trade, tourism, and travel."
What's Next
Design work is set to begin in February 2025, with construction starting in summer 2026 and completion anticipated by late 2029.
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