The Presidio-Ojinaga Bridge, also known as Puente Ojinaga, serves as a crucial two-lane crossing between Presidio, Texas, and Ojinaga, Chihuahua. Spanning 791 feet, the bridge is an essential link for both personal and commercial traffic, symbolizing the interconnectedness of the two border communities.
Constructed in 1985, the bridge replaced an older wooden structure located downstream. Its development was a collaborative effort between the United States and Mexico, with both nations sharing the $869,113 construction cost. The State of Texas owns and operates the U.S. side of the bridge through the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), while the Mexican government oversees its counterpart through Caminos y Puentes Federales (CAPUFE).
The bridge is open 24 hours a day for passenger vehicles, with commercial and cargo traffic limited to Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Notably, there is no toll for southbound crossings, making it a cost-effective option for cross-border travel.
The Presidio Land Port of Entry (LPOE) on the U.S. side, completed in 1987, operates under the control of the General Services Administration. It is connected to U.S. highways 67 and FM 170, facilitating travel and trade. On the Mexican side, the bridge links to MEX 16 and CHIH 67, enhanced by the 2003 completion of a 70-mile bypass route through Coyame and Potrero Del Llano, providing travelers an alternative to the steep grades of Peguis Canyon.
Future plans include the addition of a second span to accommodate southbound commercial traffic. TxDOT is leading the effort, with an estimated cost of $10 million and a Presidential Permit application in progress.
The Presidio-Ojinaga Bridge stands as a testament to binational cooperation, playing a vital role in the economic and cultural exchange between the U.S. and Mexico while supporting the needs of travelers and commercial operators alike.
TDDOT Photo
