There has been a tremendous increase in the volume of trade crossing the border since the implementation of NAFTA. The backlog of projects needed for the security and safety of the border is growing daily and there is an overwhelming need for increased funding. This increase can complete overdue infrastructure improvements and provide state of the art surveillance and detection technology to move the tremendous volume of traffic safely, securely and efficiently across the border. This funding will move Laredo toward an integrated network of transportation information where transportation management centers can become emergency command centers in a crisis.

Laredo is serviced by two major railroads: the Texas Mexican Railroad and the Union Pacific Railroad, both of which have operated in Laredo and used the city as a crossing point between the U.S. and Mexico for over a century. Residential populations and industrial facilities have grown around the railroad right of way, creating conflicts between the needs of the railroad industry and the needs of the residents. Today, there are 135 miles of track and over 100 grade crossings within the corporate limits of the city. With Laredo’s population growing at almost 4.5% annually, the 9th fastest growth rate in the nation, and an astonishing increase in operations by the rail companies, it is evident that intermodal conflicts will only worsen. The number of rail cars handled by the Texas-Mexican Railway Company, for example, more than quadrupled from 2,000 a month in 1994 to 9,000 in 1998. By 2000, the figure was over 10,700 rail cars per month. The report, “Application of GradeDec-the Laredo Case Study,” prepared by the Federal Railroad Administration determined that:

“The long closure time at the crossings due to slow and frequent train movements causes severe congestion and delay for the cars and trucks that use these crossings… These queue lengths often cause stopped delays for as high as 30 minutes or more for a single vehicle at one time.”

Additionally, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has brought about many changes, and challenges to Laredo. While the city welcomes the increased commercial activity, it would be more warmly received if the City of Laredo had the required infrastructure to permit the expedient flow of cargo to, and through, the city. Although many regions may claim to be burdened as a result of increases in cargo shipments, it is important to remember that such increases, if they are indeed a result of NAFTA, must have crossed an international crossing at some point. In 2004, Laredo handled over 60% of all truck crossings in the Texas-Mexico Border, placing a heavy strain on city roadways. NAFTA has also impacted rail cargo shipments through the port of Laredo. Growth in the volume of rail traffic has significantly increased the potential for collisions and hazardous material spills, as well as noise pollution in residential neighborhoods. At the same time, it has slowed the movement of commerce by blocking at-grade intersections for long periods of time. Given these conditions, conflicts between commercial truck and rail traffic pose threats not only to the safety of the traveling public, but also to the nation’s economic health.

Despite Laredo’s overwhelming escalation of rail activities, the issues relative to rail conflicts are not unique to Laredo and Federal participation is necessary to address these issues at the local level. The next transportation-spending bill should create specific categories targeted to address conflicts created by rail traffic. This category should fund projects such as grade separations, safety devices, and noise mitigation efforts. Laredo is currently seeking revenues to create grade separations on Arkansas Avenue and along the West Laredo Trade Corridor.

• Federal Highway Administration
• Federal Railroad Administration