Cameron County to borrow $33M for Brownsville & Matamoros International Bridge purchase, upgrades

Cameron County already owns shares of three international bridges connecting Brownsville, Texas, and Matamoros, Mexico, but it’s on track to own four after a deal with railroad giant Union Pacific closes. And in the coming years, it could own five different bridges. 

To finance the deal, Cameron County commissioners approved $33 million in revenue bonds in October to fund their equity stake in the Brownsville & Matamoros Bridge – otherwise known as the B&M Express Bridge. The 50% ownership will cost $31 million, while an additional $2 million will go toward renovations. The funds will be repaid over 30 years, and financing is expected to close by the end of December, pending any issues. 

County weighs options for bridge

The B&M Express Bridge comprises two structures: a single railroad track built in 1909 and reconstructed in 1953, plus four vehicular lanes – two in each direction. 

Pedestrians walking into Mexico use the historic railroad bridge, while those heading into Brownsville on foot use the vehicular bridge, which features a dedicated sidewalk.