CBP explains Cordova bridge traffic jams

Rush hour can be stressful, but for commuters trying to get to Mexico using the Cordova entrance, or the Bridge of the Americas, it’s downright exhausting.

From about 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., the Bridge of the Americas is packed. And some drivers blame the legions of semi-trucks that come through that bridge around that time. But Customs and Border Protection said it’s not a random coincidence. These trucks have to make it back to the Mexican commercial facility before it closes at 7 p.m.

CBP said trucks from Mexico transit to El Paso about 3,700 times a day. But right around 4 p.m., all those hundreds of truck have to get back across the border, have to get completely inspected, all before 7 p.m.

“What happens is, right opposite the Bridge of the Americas, is the Mexican customs commercial lot,” said CBP Chief Ruben Jauregui. “So as their commuting back and forth in the afternoon when they picked up merchandise in the US to go back into Mexico, it’s the time that they come back every afternoon.”

And they come through the Cordova bridge because it’s free, while the Ysleta and Stanton International Crossing carry a city-toll of anywhere from $2 to $21 depending on the vehicle class and number of axles. Traffic backs up, and congests the few city streets that lead to Cordova. But when ABC-7 asked the city if they’re concerned, they said they have nothing to do with the Cordova bridge, a federal crossing.

“There’s two other crossings they can use,”Jauregui said. “And avoid those times. If you can avoid them, by all means absolutely do that.”

Daily commuter Ty Boughter does just that.

“It might take an hour and a half to get into Mexico, so I started walking across rather than waiting in that long line,” Boughter said.

Commuters recommend avoiding Wednesdays and Thursdays at rush hour. Those days tend to be even more congested and wait times, longer.

(Oct. 2012 story)