CPKC opens bridge over Rio Grande, named in honour of Patrick J. Ottensmeyer

Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) has officially opened the Patrick J. Ottensmeyer International Railway Bridge, marking a major expansion of rail capacity across the U.S.-Mexico border.

CPKC held a ribbon-cutting ceremony over the Rio Grande to inaugurate the new bridge, named in honour of Patrick J. Ottensmeyer, the final president and CEO of Kansas City Southern (KCS).

“The name Patrick J. Ottensmeyer will forever be a part of the proud history of Kansas City Southern and the legacy of CPKC,” said Keith Creel, CPKC president and CEO. “Pat believed strongly in the work our railroaders do every day enabling trade amongst great nations.”

Ottensmeyer led KCS from 2015 until April 2023, when its merger with Canadian Pacific created CPKC. He passed away in July 2024.

The new bridge, a $100-million project, doubles rail capacity at the Laredo-Nuevo Laredo border crossing, a key trade corridor between the two countries. Spanning 1,170 feet, it allows trains to operate in both directions simultaneously.

The bridge also features enhanced security investments, including a new X-ray railcar inspection system and surveillance cameras.