Potrero Chico Travel Question

Generally speaking, if driving during the day, how safe is highway 40/40D from Reynosa to highway 53 to get to Hidalgo? Would it be smarter to take 83 to Laredo then the toll road down to Monterrey? Ill be driving an early 90s minivan which will hopefully not draw too much attention. Any advice?

I would drive the toll road! The road conditions are much better and the "green angles" drive back and forth and will help if you break down. The non toll road is also prob fine just expect a lot more adventure!!! With any luck we will be down there by the 3rd and may even pass you on the highway.

Best

Just got back so going to answer my own question. I never once felt unsafe going through reynosa on 40 to epc and taking 85 up through laredo on the way back. There were many more military gun trucks on 40 than on 85 and we were even stopped at a checkpoint. After a quick sniff by the drug dog and a peek in the trunk, we were free to go about our business. Just make sure you follow the instructions on the la Posada website to get the proper paperwork when crossing the border. Returning to the us through laredo took 5 hours yesterday. After asking around, that amount of time is unusual but just a warning, be wise about what time you want to cross the border. On the other hand, crossing into Mexico took no time what so ever with no wait aside from having to do the paperwork. I believe it may be possible to get the paperwork done before you go as well. I did not travel at all at night but I don't think I would hesitate to drive the toll roads at night.