The La Linda Bridge, also known locally as the Big Bend Crossing Bridge or Puente La Linda, stands as a single-lane structure spanning the Rio Grande. Located in a remote area connecting Brewster County, Texas, to La Linda, Coahuila, Mexico, the bridge has been closed to traffic since July 30, 1997, yet remains a symbol of the complex relationship between the United States and Mexico.
Constructed in 1963, the 382-foot-long and 10-foot-wide bridge once facilitated cross-border movement in an area known for its rugged beauty and ecological significance. Ownership on the U.S. side rests with the Consortium of La Linda (COLINDA), while the Mexican side is managed by the Mexican government.
Efforts to reopen the bridge have spanned decades. In 1997, House Concurrent Resolution 164 encouraged the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and other state agencies to assist Brewster County and COLINDA in pursuing its reopening. Subsequent negotiations between the U.S. and Mexican governments extended moratoriums on the removal of the bridge, with the last extension expiring in June 2003. Discussions at the U.S.-Mexico Binational Bridges and Border Crossings meetings explored the idea of limited reopening for educational purposes, but no tangible progress has been reported since 2009.
The bridge remains structurally intact, though it no longer serves as a port of entry. When operational, the Mexican side housed the only land port of entry. The U.S. approach is via FM 2627, which connects to U.S. 385.
While the La Linda Bridge is no longer a functional crossing, it continues to draw interest as a historical and environmental landmark. Its future remains uncertain, pending further negotiations or potential redevelopment as part of an economic or ecotourism initiative. For now, it stands as a quiet reminder of the ongoing dialogue between two nations over shared borders and resources.
TXDOT Photo
