Protests at World Trade Bridge cause traffic delays for second day

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) – For the second day in a row, protests on the Mexican side of the World Trade Bridge are causing traffic jams for drivers heading into Mexico. Laredo police reported that by 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, delays had stretched from Loop 20 to Interstate 35.

Due to the protests, all northbound commercial trucks are now being sent to the Colombia-Solidarity International Bridge. Drivers are being told to expect delays and use caution as traffic shifts to the alternate route.

Protesters Demand Answers

It’s not clear if these protests are linked to earlier ones. On Tuesday, November 12, protesters blocked access to the bridge around noon. Mexican news reports say the protesters are family members of missing persons. Some signs read, “Shut down for failing the victims,” asking for answers from officials.

Mayor’s Response to Traffic Issues

In response to the disruptions, Laredo Mayor Dr. Victor Treviño issued a statement:

“I appreciate the community’s patience with the commercial traffic congestion. This mitigation measure to divert some of the traffic to the Colombia Bridge is the solution being created for the interruption of commercial traffic on the World Trade Bridge by Mexican protesters. I have been in close contact and working closely with Alcaldesa Carmen Lilia Canturosas for a quick resolution to this matter.”

Officials are working to clear the traffic, but it’s unclear when things will return to normal.

Below is the original story:

Protests on the Mexican side of the World Trade Bridge are causing major traffic backups heading into Mexico for the second day in a row.

The Laredo Police Department reported that around 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 13, traffic delays extended westbound on Loop 20 and reached Interstate 35. Drivers are being warned to expect delays and use caution.

It’s unclear whether these protests are connected to previous demonstrations in the area.

On Tuesday, November 12, demonstrators blocked the entrances and exits to the bridge around noon. Mexican media reports that protesters, many holding signs, are family members of missing persons. The signs in Spanish read, “Shut down for failing the victims,” demanding answers from federal authorities in Mexico.

The situation is ongoing, and it’s unclear when the bridge will reopen fully to traffic.

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