Progreso – Nuevo Progreso International Bridge, International toll bridge in Progreso, Texas

The Progreso–Nuevo Progreso International Bridge, officially the Weslaco–Progreso International Bridge, carries four traffic lanes across the Rio Grande between Progreso, Texas, and Nuevo Progreso, Tamaulipas. The 2003 structure has broad covered walkways on both sides, and a separate truck bridge stands to the east for heavy northbound freight.

The Progreso Port of Entry opened with the bridge in July 1952; early traffic was light, tolls were collected southbound only, and the span operated from 5 a.m. to midnight. A new bridge was completed in 2003 with four traffic lanes and broad covered walkways, and a truck bridge east of it handles heavy northbound trucks. The U.S. inspection station was replaced in 1983.

The crossing links two communities that share deep economic and family ties, with people moving across for work, commerce, and personal reasons. The rhythm of daily movement here reflects the interdependence of towns on both sides of the river.

Bring valid travel documents and expect variable wait times depending on the time of day and border traffic volume. Separate pathways for pedestrians and dedicated lanes for vehicles help organize the crossing flow.

The grain elevators stand on the U.S. side, not on the bridge itself. A partnership built the first one in 1981 to ship corn and grain into Mexico; Cargill, Inc. bought it in 1990. Four elevators now handle corn, grain sorghum, cotton seed, beans and popcorn, and much of the truck traffic carries corn for tortillas.