Brownsville – B&M

The Brownsville & Matamoros bridge connects Brownsville, Texas, with Matamoros, Tamaulipas. You may also see the names B y M or Puente Viejo in Texas transportation material. CBP identifies this particular crossing as B&M, port 535501. Use that number when looking up its wait, especially if a map lists several Brownsville bridges.

Veterans International has its own CBP entry, 535502. Its displayed conditions and hours describe a different crossing; they should not be substituted for the B&M report.

CBP lists B&M port hours as 24 hours a day. The pedestrian access notice is more limited: it closes at 10 p.m. and reopens at 6 a.m. every day. Check the current notice before setting out, because the general port schedule does not mean the walking access remains open overnight.

Texas transportation records describe pedestrian walkways at the bridge. For a northbound walking trip, select the pedestrian wait rather than assuming the car queue represents your journey.

The CBP report has standard and Ready Lane categories for passenger vehicles and a standard pedestrian category. Lane status and estimates can change, so check the update time and whether the category is open. The figures concern entry into the United States, not the trip into Mexico.

CBP describes its land-border estimates as measurements made either by observation against set landmarks or by an automated system. Treat the displayed number as an estimate for the stated category, not a guaranteed crossing time. The B&M report marks commercial vehicle lanes as not applicable.

Before returning north, check the CBP document rules for each traveler’s citizenship and immigration status. For U.S. citizens, a valid passport or passport card is among the documents listed for land entry. Have the relevant documents ready for inspection.

Ready Lane has an additional requirement: each traveler age 16 or older needs an eligible RFID-enabled card. A passport book by itself is not a Ready Lane card. Check lane eligibility independently of general entry requirements before joining the queue.

If the journey includes driving in Mexico, arrange liability coverage valid there before departure. Mexican federal-road rules require insurance for harm to third parties. Review the policy’s coverage and exclusions, and check the authorization of the insurer and agent.

Keep your travel documents and insurance information accessible, then recheck the B&M report for the return trip. The latest lane status is more useful than a number saved earlier in the day.