U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar Confirms Final Decision to End Commercial Truck Traffic at El Paso's Bridge of the Americas
U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, has confirmed that the decision to cease commercial truck traffic at El Paso’s Bridge of the Americas (BOTA) is final and will not be reversed. This announcement comes amidst a modernization project for the port of entry, which is slated to begin construction in early 2028 and conclude by summer 2031. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) made the ultimate decision, despite lobbying efforts from the El Paso Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber commissioned an economic impact study projecting a $2.3 billion loss in economic output for the region by 2036 if commercial truck processing ends at BOTA. The study also estimates that approximately 11% of truck traffic would leave the region, with the remaining traffic largely shifting to the Ysleta-Zaragoza and Santa Teresa ports of entry. Climate justice advocates, however, support the plan, citing benefits such as improved air quality and reduced noise and vibrations for residents livin...
