GSA details 'preferred' plan to modernize Bridge of the Americas, eliminate cargo traffic
Commercial lanes at the Bridge of the Americas may be gone if a preferred plan is finalized by the U.S. General Services Administration.
It's the latest update to the modernization project announced by Congresswoman Veronica Escobar on Friday morning.
In a press release, Escobar's office said that the environmental study of the project's impact is complete, and the GSA said it prefers option four of the project.
The plan includes multi-level modernization accommodating pedestrian and non-commercial vehicle traffic, meaning north and southbound commercial cargo traffic would be eliminated.
The GSA said this option would be conducted within the boundaries of the port, and that there would be minor land acquisition in an area next to the bridge.
Before it formally adopts the plan, the government will hold a 45-day comment period.
Construction is expected to begin in late 2026, with substantial completion by late 2029.
According to the GSA, the study it conducted looked at the potential social, economic and environmental impacts of the project.
Of the other two options, one called for preserving all traffic along the bridge, with the "flexibility to eliminate northbound and southbound commercial cargo traffic in the future."
The other option was taking no action at all.
The BOTA modernization project will be funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which is part of President Joe Biden's Investing in America Agenda.
Between $650 and $700 million was allocated to the project.
In a statement, Rep. Escobar said,
After years of advocacy and work for the modernization of our ports of entry, with particular care given to health and environmental impacts on El Pasoans, I am so excited to announce that GSA has finalized the best (and most popular) design option for the Bridge of the Americas. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Biden- Harris Administration's commitment to environmental justice, we are one step closer to delivering transformational investment – over $650 million – to our border region which will lead to cleaner air and a healthier community for generations to come. I look forward to seeing these designs come to life for a land port that will prioritize El Pasoans, create jobs, and promote economic growth and development for our community. I'm grateful to GSA and CBP who were great partners throughout this process, and grateful to all El Pasoans who took part in these important conversations.
