Presidio–Ojinaga International Rail Bridge

Presidio–Ojinaga International Rail Bridge
Coordinates29°32′35″N 104°22′40″W / 29.54306°N 104.37778°W / 29.54306; -104.37778
CrossesRio Grande (Río Bravo)
LocalePresidio, Texas
Ojinaga, Chihuahua
Other name(s)Presidio Rail Bridge
Puente Ferro Carril Ojinaga
Preceded byOjinaga–Presidio International Bridge
Followed byLa Linda International Bridge (closed)
Characteristics
Total length795 ft. (242 m)
Width21 ft. (6.5 m)
Rail characteristics
No. of tracks1
Location
Interactive map of Presidio–Ojinaga International Rail Bridge

The Presidio–Ojinaga International Rail Bridge (also known as the Presidio Rail Bridge) is an international railway bridge that crosses the Rio Grande (Río Bravo) between the cities of Presidio, Texas, US, and Ojinaga, Chihuahua, Mexico on the United States-Mexico border. It is currently under repair.

History

The Presidio–Ojinaga International Rail Bridge has been out of service following fire damage on 29 February 2008. Reconstruction started in 2018.[1] Reopening to cross-border rail service is expected to begin after a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) station has been installed.[2] The current date that the bridge can be brought back in use is expected to be the summer of 2025. This is due to the desire for a facility to x-ray train cars to intercept contraband.[3]

Ownership

It is owned by the Mexican government and Texas Department of Transportation. It is privately operated under a lease by Ferromex subsidiary Texas Pacifico Transportation.[4]

See also

References

  1. ^ Wanek-Libman, Mischa (October 23, 2018). "Groundbreaking ceremony held for Presidio International Rail Bridge". RT&S. Retrieved September 9, 2019.
  2. ^ "Big step forward for restarting international trains across the Rio Grande at Presidio TX". Texas Rail Advocates. October 21, 2021. Retrieved October 25, 2021.
  3. ^ Big Bend Sentinel:11/29/2023:News:Sam Karas:Delayed Presidio International Rail Bridge Project to chug into 2025.
  4. ^ "South Orient Rail Line". TxDOT. Retrieved September 9, 2019.