A long-dormant international rail connection between Presidio and Ojinaga, Chihuahua, could return to service as early as summer 2026, according to regional reports and public updates shared by officials in Mexico.
The historic Presidio-Ojinaga International Rail Bridge, which has been out of service for nearly 18 years, is reportedly in the final stages of preparations to reopen for freight rail traffic. The crossing has remained inactive since fires damaged the bridge in 2008.
According to information shared by officials and regional advocates in Ojinaga, reconstruction of the bridge began in 2018 and the physical rail structure has been completed for several years. One of the remaining hurdles has been the construction of a U.S. Customs and Border Protection inspection facility on the United States side of the border.
If reopened, the Presidio-Ojinaga rail crossing would become one of the few active international rail crossings between Mexico and the United States and is expected to strengthen trade links between northern Mexico and West Texas.
Regional leaders have long viewed the crossing as a major economic opportunity for both communities, particularly for freight movement involving minerals, livestock, machinery and agricultural products.
The route also would reconnect Ojinaga to the Chihuahua al Pacífico rail network, which links northern Mexico to the Pacific port city of Topolobampo and other parts of the country.
Supporters of the project say the reopening could bring new logistics, maintenance and transportation jobs to the region while increasing cross-border commercial activity between Presidio County and Chihuahua.
The project has been discussed for years by economic development leaders on both sides of the border, who argue the rail link could help diversify economic opportunities in a region heavily dependent on border trade and transportation.
While no firm reopening date has been officially announced, reports circulating in Ojinaga suggest freight operations could begin sometime in summer 2026 if remaining infrastructure and inspection requirements are completed on schedule.
