A new port of entry connecting San Diego and Tijuana was supposed to be operational by the end of the year, but now authorities project it could take two more years to finalize its construction.
Binational leaders first introduced the idea of constructing the Otay Mesa East Port of Entry in the late 1900s, claiming it would reduce congestion at existing ports–such as the Otay Mesa Land Port of Entry, known as the busiest commercial port in California.
"Congestion at the border has limited travel and economic growth, negatively impacted public health, and contributed to the effects of climate change," a news release announcing the groundbreaking reads. "The Otay Mesa East Port of Entry–aims to reduce wait times, increase economic efficiencies, cut emissions, and ensure the San Diego-Baja region has the infrastructure it needs to continue its dynamic growth.
After more than 20 years of binational coordination, the port of entry's construction started in August 2022. Authorities projected it would be up and running by September 2024, but as of today, only the Mexican side of the border crossing is showing progress.
Ken Salazar, U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, is pushing for the new border crossing to get done as he describes Otay Mesa East as "a change agent" and an "opportunity to bring these regions together."
During a Tuesday news conference, U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar stressed the importance of "a modern new border crossing" and assured the audience that the Otay Mesa East Port of Entry would be completed "within the next couple of years."
The project is a joint venture by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG). Both agencies have cited funding issues and pending federal agreements as the reason behind the project's delays, per the Border Report.
On Wednesday Caltran and SANDAG issued the following statement:
"The State of California has made significant investments to support this project. In preparation for its construction, SANDAG and Caltrans have completed 7 new bridges, 3 interchanges, State Route 11, 17 miles of fiber optic cable, international utility relocations, and 7 air quality monitor installations. We continue to negotiate with the federal government to solidify the final details of the fully funded Otay Mesa East Port of Entry project and upon approval by the federal government, construction is anticipated to begin next year."
Both entities are also overseeing the construction of State Route 11, a new highway designed to link the port of entry to San Diego's highway system. While the project is nearly complete, the final segment needed to facilitate incoming and outgoing traffic to the port of entry is still under construction.
While the Otay Mesa East Port of Entry is being developed, travelers can continue to use the existing Otay Mesa Port of Entry, which remains fully operational.
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