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Lulu

Jun 23, 2002, 11:46 AM

Post #1 of 4 (1685 views)

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Where is the Columbia Bridge, Best time to X

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I need help in locating the Columbia Bridge as my border crossing maps do not list this location, guess it is time to update, We had planned to X at Laredo around 100 to 300 pm on the 3rd of July but the salesman at Sandborns said at this time )eve of a holiday ) the crossing time would require a sleeping bag and recomended that columbia would be less crowded even though it is 50 miles father. Anyone know what the waiting time will be at Laredo or is it better to go to Columbia if so where is columbia

Bob in Iowa

Jun 24, 2002, 10:58 AM

Post #2 of 4 (1688 views)

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Where is the Columbia Bridge, Best time to X

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The Columbia bridge and crossing is about 30 miles north (up river) from Laredo. There is much new highway construction in the area so finding the correct exit may be a challenge, although you can always ask. Normally I cross here, although the last time (April) I crossed at N. Laredo and it was hassle free. Remember that Columbia is not open all night (maybe 7 AM to 10 PM??) and has no other services such as casas de cambio or insurance.
Picking the best time to cross is always a crapshoot. It seems like many Mexicans returning home for the holidays get to the border crossings very early AM, so late morning/early afternoon might be better.
Sanborn's usually provides good information, but the sleeping bag thing seemed a little bit of an exaggeration.
: I need help in locating the Columbia Bridge as my border crossing maps do not list this location, guess it is time to update, We had planned to X at Laredo around 100 to 300 pm on the 3rd of July but the salesman at Sandborns said at this time )eve of a holiday ) the crossing time would require a sleeping bag and recomended that columbia would be less crowded even though it is 50 miles father. Anyone know what the waiting time will be at Laredo or is it better to go to Columbia if so where is columbia

Bill Phillips

Jun 26, 2002, 4:49 AM

Post #3 of 4 (1687 views)

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Where is the Columbia Bridge, Best time to X

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Sorry... No info about a holiday weekend but I used Columbia for my 1st crossing into Mexico in February after hearing about long lineups at Laredo - anytime! It was a Thursday afternoon at 2 PM and there were 2 people ahead of me. I was in and out in 1/2 to 3/4 of an hour.It was well worth the extra distance. I'll use it each time from now on.Easy to find if south bound on I-35. There is a well marked highway sign about 20 miles north of Laredo. It is a toll road ($3.00) that takes you directly to the border.PS: I do not speak Spanish and had no trouble...: I need help in locating the Columbia Bridge as my border crossing maps do not list this location, guess it is time to update, We had planned to X at Laredo around 100 to 300 pm on the 3rd of July but the salesman at Sandborns said at this time )eve of a holiday ) the crossing time would require a sleeping bag and recomended that columbia would be less crowded even though it is 50 miles father. Anyone know what the waiting time will be at Laredo or is it better to go to Columbia if so where is columbia

Russell Kveton

Jun 26, 2002, 6:16 AM

Post #4 of 4 (1683 views)

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Colombia (note spelling) Bridge Hours

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I posted the following in response to a question on November 13, 2001.According to the Director of the Laredo Bridge System, whom I just spoke with at (956) 791-2200. Colombia Bridge - 8am to midnight, 7 days a week. You may want to call and confim if the hours are still the same.