Best route north?

[jesm]

Making our first drive from GTO to USA on Sunday to cross at/near Pharr,Tx. Appreciate any suggestions on best route based on your recent experience. Web services offer 3 different routes with actual shortest in Km via SLP and Ciudad Victoria then mex 101 north to border? Other options mostly go via Monterey and vicinity. Plan on driving all dy so a bit of time saved is not that important compared to ease of travel. Thanks for any help

[fr8as]

I've been on the route to the border via SLP various times. It's a good highway all the way. I've always crossed at Piedras Negras/Eagle Pass, so I can't comment specifically on the crossing at Pharr.

[doncoulter]

I would avoid 101 and, in general, that part of Tamaulipas. I drove 101 a few times several years ago and had no problem, but over the last couple of years it has become known as the "Highway of Death." The danger is perhaps exaggerated, as dangers in Mexico usually are, but still I'd be reluctant to take that route today. Here's an article from the Washington Post last year, and you can Google for more info if you like.