Presidential Permit Granted for Bridge II Expansion

EAGLE PASS, TEXAS — In a significant step toward improving international infrastructure and commerce, President Donald J. Trump has formally granted a Presidential Permit to the City of Eagle Pass to expand and continue operating the Camino Real International Bridge, a key port of entry on the U.S.-Mexico border.

This project was pushed highly by former Mayor Rolando Salinas and now that responsibility has been carried over to the newly sworn in Mayor Aaron Valdez.

Signed on June 20, 2025, the permit authorizes the construction of a second span adjacent to the existing bridge, adding six new vehicle lanes and enhancing pedestrian crossing capacity. The bridge currently has six lanes so this will double capacity. The project is expected to ease traffic congestion, improve cross-border trade flow, and bolster border security at this vital checkpoint between Eagle Pass, Texas, and Piedras Negras, Coahuila.

According to the permit, the expansion must adhere to all federal environmental and safety regulations and will be subject to inspection by appropriate federal, state, and local agencies. The City of Eagle Pass, as the permittee, is also responsible for acquiring all necessary permits and implementing environmental mitigation measures throughout the construction and operational phases.

“This expansion is an investment in border infrastructure that supports economic growth while ensuring the highest standards of security and environmental stewardship,” said a statement from the Trump administration.

The new span will be located just south of the Eagle Pass-Piedras Negras International Bridge and north of the Union Pacific International Railroad Bridge. The upgraded crossing, described in the city’s official permit application filed in November 2024 and supplemented in March 2025, will include not just the bridge but inspection facilities, infrastructure improvements, and security enhancements—all provided at no cost to the federal government, in accordance with existing donation agreements.

The permit outlines a series of conditions, including:

• Compliance with all federal environmental and construction laws;

• Mandatory mitigation of any environmental or community impacts;

• Ongoing coordination with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and other federal agencies for the staffing and maintenance of inspection facilities;

• A strict five-year timeline to begin construction, or the permit will expire.

Additionally, the Department of State must complete a diplomatic exchange with the Government of Mexico before construction can begin, ensuring binational cooperation.

With border trade continuing to grow, local officials believe the expansion is long overdue. “This is a huge win for Eagle Pass and for international commerce,” said a city spokesperson. “The project will not only improve travel efficiency but will also provide significant economic benefits to the entire region.”

Once operational, the expanded Camino Real International Bridge is expected to reduce wait times for commercial and personal vehicles, increase trade capacity, and provide a safer and more efficient crossing for travelers between the United States and Mexico.

The City of Eagle Pass now begins the next phase of planning and coordination, with construction expected to begin once all international and environmental requirements are fulfilled.