Early risers planning to cross between Laredo and Nuevo Laredo on Saturday, Feb. 21, are in for a detour. U.S. Customs and Border Protection will temporarily stop all northbound and southbound vehicle and commercial bus traffic at the Juárez–Lincoln International Bridge starting around 5 a.m. so crews can build a stage for the International Bridge Ceremony, locally known as the Abrazo. Officials expect to let vehicles back through at about 9 a.m., so anyone eyeing an early crossing should brace for delays or use a different bridge.
What to expect Saturday morning
In a public advisory, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said it will suspend all vehicle and commercial bus crossings on the Juárez–Lincoln Bridge at roughly 5 a.m., with traffic projected to resume by 9 a.m., as reported by News 4 San Antonio. Laredo Port of Entry Director Alberto Flores described the event as a longstanding welcoming ceremony for dignitaries and officials on both sides of the border. CBP is urging travelers to either cross before 5 a.m. or wait until after the festivities wrap up if they want to avoid getting stuck in the backup.
Alternate crossings and traveler tips
To help absorb the traffic crunch, CBP said the Colombia-Solidarity Bridge will open at 6 a.m. on Saturday to handle vehicle and commercial bus traffic, while the Gateway to the Americas Bridge will stay open for SENTRI users and pedestrians, according to KGNS. Expect traffic to shift toward these alternate routes during the closure and give yourself extra time for inspections. Local organizers also cautioned that congestion may linger as Washington's Birthday Celebration events and parades roll out after the ceremony.
Abrazo ceremony background
The International Bridge Ceremony, widely known as El Abrazo, is part of Laredo's Washington's Birthday Celebration and brings together dignitaries from the United States and Mexico along with four Abrazo children for a symbolic embrace on the bridge, the Laredo Morning Times reports. This year's ceremony was scheduled to begin at 7:30 a.m., and organizers say the ritual showcases decades of cross-border friendship and cooperation. For this one morning each year, the Juárez–Lincoln Bridge is cleared of regular traffic so the tradition can unfold safely.
Before heading out, travelers are urged to check real-time lane conditions. CBP's Border Wait Times website and app provide hourly estimates and can help drivers pick the least congested crossing (Border Wait Times). For a quicker pass through inspection, CBP also reminds travelers to have RFID-enabled travel documents ready and to use Ready Lanes where they are available.
