Mexican Drug Violence Impacts Bridge Crossings

Reported by: Erica Proffer
Last Update: 6:42 pm
CHANNEL 5 NEWS (KRGV, 2010)

PHARR - Bridges across the Rio Grande Valley hold fewer passenger cars. Violence in Mexico threatens U.S. travelers.

"It certainly appears it will be worse before it gets better," said Jesse Medina, bridge director for the Pharr- Reynosa International Bridge. "It's a very valid concern. We limit our travel into Mexico to during daylight hours. At nighttime, it's harder to look at your surroundings to see what situation you could be on."

Progreso had the largest decline of passenger cars in the 2010 fiscal year. They were down nearly 43% on passenger vehicles heading south.

"It's a sign of the security concern. It is a concern that is well taken and I would recommend everyone look at their security plan when they travel into Mexico," said Medina.

Store owners in downtown McAllen say they're affected differently. They've seen fewer people from Mexico who are afraid to come here. They said the customers are afraid the drug cartel will keep them from getting back home.

The only traffic increase for southbound lanes throughout all Valley bridges is commercial.

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