Despite the ongoing friction between the U.S. and Mexico on immigration and trade matters, the White House has just signed off on a $10 billion project designed to facilitate cargo traffic between the two countries.
As presented, the Green Corridors project will see the construction of an elevated throughway that will connect Laredo, Texas with Monterrey, Mexico.
To run some 165 miles, the project will see the construction of four cross-border terminals encompassing around 100 acres each, with cargo being hauled by way of an autonomous diesel/electric shuttle.
In announcing the project, which will be built by the Austin-based Green Corridors company, the White House said the project must “comply with applicable Federal, State, and local environmental laws.”
Officially called the Green Corridors Intelligent Freight Transportation System, the project, once operational, is designed to run 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
In a statement, Texas Democrat Representative Henry Cuellar said permitting of the project is a “win for trade, safety, and the future of cross-border freight.”
As noted by the Laredo Daily Times, the system “will be funded entirely with private capital.” The Green Corridors company, at the same time, will be responsible for “construction, maintenance, inspection facilities, and long-term operations.”
The Laredo/Monterrey connection, which is currently comprised of two bridges, is regarded as one of the busiest and congested of its kind, with average wait times of up to 45 minutes.
What trucks connecting to the two cities carry is of vital importance to the construction industry and include a variety of building materials, machinery, metals and tires.
It is expected that it will take several years for all the requisite property acquisition and permitting for the project to be completed. Several published sources have indicated that actual construction of the transportation system may begin in 2031.
June 20, 2025
By Garry Boulard
Rendering courtesy of Green Corridors Intelligent Freight Transportation
