Gateway to the Americas International Bridge, International toll bridge between Laredo, Texas and Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico
Gateway to the Americas is an international road bridge that spans the Rio Grande between Laredo and Nuevo Laredo, with four traffic lanes and two pedestrian walkways. The structure was designed to handle modern border traffic and processes thousands of crossings daily.
The site has connected both sides of the border since 1889, but the current bridge opened in 1954 after earlier versions were damaged by floods. This rebuilding provided a more stable and adequately sized connection for increasing border traffic.
The bridge links two cities with strong economic ties, enabling daily interactions between residents on both sides of the border. Workers, traders, and families use this crossing as part of their everyday routine.
Pedestrians can cross the bridge 24 hours a day, while vehicles typically must be part of the SENTRI program and pay varying fees. Visitors should note that operating times vary for different access types and check current conditions before visiting.
The U.S. inspection facility, built in 1943, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992. This site is a rare example of border infrastructure recognized as a historical landmark.
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