Bridge of the Americas modernization project moves to design-build stage

EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — A long-awaited overhaul of one of El Paso’s busiest border crossings is a step closer to construction.

Congresswoman Veronica Escobar announced on Monday that the Bridge of the Americas Modernization Project has advanced to the Design-Build stage, narrowing the field of potential contractors to three. Escobar joined the U.S. General Services Administration in announcing the project’s next phase.

The announcement comes after the GSA, the federal agency overseeing the project, finalized a plan last May to upgrade the port of entry and eventually remove commercial cargo operations. Those trucks would shift to other crossings, including Santa Teresa, Ysleta, and Tornillo.

“I’m delighted to announce that the $500 million modernization of the Bridge of the Americas – also known as el Puente Libre – has moved one step closer to construction,” Escobar said.

She said selecting the top three contractors is a significant move toward what she described as a major investment in the border region.

“The selection of the top three contractors competing for the project brings us one step closer to delivering a transformational investment to our border region that will lead to cleaner air and a healthier community for generations to come,” Escobar said.

Escobar also pointed to community involvement in shaping the project.

“I’m grateful to the more than 12,000 El Pasoans who participated in the multi-year public input effort and to the local governments and organizations that took the time to help shape the outcome,” she said.

However, the announcement comes after the BOTA modernization project drew pushback last month from the Greater El Paso Chamber of Commerce, warning that the change could weaken a key trade corridor and threaten jobs tied to cross-border commerce.

The chamber’s stance comes amid criticism from local leaders.

El Paso Matters published an opinion piece from city and county leaders accusing the chamber of working behind the scenes to slow or reverse progress on the project, including hiring a lobbyist with access to high-level administration officials.

City and county leaders have continued to support the modernization project, citing the risk of losing federal funding if the effort is delayed.

Meanwhile, looking ahead, Escobar said planning will be needed at other ports of entry as the project progresses, particularly in preparation for changes tied to commercial traffic at the Bridge of the Americas.

“As this project continues to move forward, local governments and other organizations must come together to plan for what’s needed at our other land ports of entry so we adequately prepare for the removal of commercial traffic at BOTA,” Escobar said. I remain committed to ensuring our community is both a leader in trade and cross-border commerce as well as respectful of our community’s voices.”

Additionally, the GSA said the contract for the project is expected to be awarded later this year, with construction expected to begin in early 2028.

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