11 January 2010
Photo source : http://www.usmexicobridge.com
REYNOSA, Mexico (AP) – Mexican President Felipe Calderon and the U.S. trade representative have inaugurated a new bridge on the U.S.-Mexico border, the first new land port of entry on the southern U.S. border in 10 years.
Travelers began moving across the Anzalduas International Bridge between Mission, Texas, and Reynosa on Dec. 15, but it was officially dedicated Monday — an opening ceremony that, paradoxically, forced it to close briefly.
Helicopters circled overhead, local and federal law enforcement were out in force on both sides of the bridge and all attendees passed through metal detectors.
"It’s the bridges that unite the people and elevate the competitiveness of economies," Calderon said.
The new bridge route, three miles west of the existing Hidalgo-Reynosa International Bridge, bypasses downtown Reynosa, and is expected to cut about 30 minutes off the drive to Monterrey.
The route runs 3.2 miles (5.1 kilometers) between the U.S. and Mexican ports of entry and it is open to noncommercial traffic only.
U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar of Laredo, Texas, heralded the bridge as an example of efforts to ease legal movement on the border and Calderon said commerce would help build the economy.
"The best opportunity we have to create jobs on both sides of the border is to strengthen ties between Mexico and the United States," Calderon said.
U.S. Trade Representative Ronald Kirk called the bridge opening "a potent symbol of our connectedness."