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mexigrl

Mar 7, 2004, 10:01 AM

Post #1 of 6 (598 views)

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Directions to Columbia Bridge

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Can anyone please help? There are two of us on the "Traveling Mexico" forum that are desperate for help with directions from Mexico to the Columbia Bridge (northbound). I've tried to email Uncle Donnie but emails were returned. If anyone could help please let me know!!

Thanks (and please forgive me for double posting but I hoped someone would see this!)

Mexigrl

Georgia

Mar 7, 2004, 12:49 PM

Post #2 of 6 (581 views)

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Re: [mexigrl] Directions to Columbia Bridge

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We got our directions to enter from the Columbia Bridge to Guad on this forum, just reverse the directions! Do a search of the posts. Also, get a Guia Roji map book of Mexico's highways.

Carol Schmidt

Mar 7, 2004, 2:32 PM

Post #3 of 6 (572 views)

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Re: [mexigrl] Directions to Columbia Bridge

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We've never been able to find it either! We end up going either of the two crossings in Nuevo Laredo. Once we followed an SUV with Texas plates who seemed to be heading north that direction, thinking he would lead us to the bridge, but he was going someplace else and we got thoroughly lost! The joys of Mexican signs.

Carol Schmidt

Uncle Donnie

Mar 8, 2004, 6:53 AM

Post #4 of 6 (527 views)

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Re: [Carol Schmidt] Directions to Columbia Bridge

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Hi Darlin',

It IS difficult to get to because they've left out an important sign.

As you're headed north just follow the signs that direct you when to turn off Highway 85 (the highway between Monterrey and Nuevo Laredo) to get to the Colombia Bridge. Turn off to the right (east) and it will swing you up and back to the left (west) over Hwy. 85..

Just drive until you see a new overpass crossing the road you're on. It DOES NOT say Colombia Bridge but just as you drive under you'll turn right to get up on it. Just like an overpass entry anywhere else. It will swing you 90 degrees from the road you were on. In effect you just made a long looping left turn by turning right. Follow that new road until you come to a Pemex on the right. You'll see a sign there for the bridge. Turn right (the PEMEX will then be on your left) into what will be a nicely laid out light industrial/shipping park and follow the road on over to the bridge. You can't get lost here. Clear U.S. Customs and follow the road out. Turn right when you get to the Farm to Market Road. Can't miss it, nowhere else to go.

However, finding the bridge may not be the end of your confusion. In order to get back to U.S. highway 35 which takes you to San Antonio, you'll need to return to Laredo (turn right at the first signal light you come to after you cross the river and get on the FM Road) because at present the private toll road that normally takes you straight across to the highway is closed.

Even with all the current hassle I still believe Colombia to be the easiest and least hassle filled place to cross.

Hope this helps.

Shameless self-promotion:
http://www.headformexico.com

mexigrl

Mar 8, 2004, 9:08 AM

Post #5 of 6 (502 views)

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Re: [Uncle Donnie] Directions to Columbia Bridge

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There you are - just the man I was looking for :) It does sound a little daunting but will hopefully make sense once we are there. We are actually headed to Laredo for a few days so the fact that the toll road is closed should be fine. How far north of Monterey would you say that we should start seeing the signs for Columbia Bridge? As far as that new overpass goes - will it be obviously new or be the only one? How long from the time we get off 85 should we reach the bridge? I know it is a little out of the way but the traffic in Laredo has been pretty backed up lately.

Thanks for answering - I really was hoping to hear from you!

Cuidate,

Mexigrl

Uncle Donnie

Mar 8, 2004, 11:07 AM

Post #6 of 6 (491 views)

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Re: [mexigrl] Directions to Columbia Bridge

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As you know, time and distance are fairly unfamiliar concepts in my personal universe but I'll try;

You should start seeing the big green signs about 20-25 miles out---the actual turn-off will be 8-10 miles from laredo. Anyone who knows more accurately , feel free to correct this.

EVERYTHING---roads, bridges, etc. in that area is less than 5-6 years old. The first time I went there (There is a sign that says "Colombia" -- the village, not the bridge, but same road) there was no overpass; you just dodged through all the construction equipment and workers who were building the new road over the old one.

About 6-8 minutes I'm guessing. Not far.

It's really obvious once you're underway. Have a good trip. Take notes and post them later. I travel by landmarks, not measurements so it'll be interesting to see how accurate my guesses are,

Shameless self-promotion:
http://www.headformexico.com