SAN DIEGO — Long border wait times are affecting thousands of people who cross into Mexico everyday.
Stephanie lives in Tijuana. She and many others who cross into the U.S. every day say the wait times have drastically increased.
"I think yesterday it was also two hours of traffic maybe three," said said.
Mario Montana, who spoke with CBS 8 while he was waiting in line to cross, agreed.
"Its getting frustrating after a hard day of work when it used to take 15 to 20 minutes now it takes an hour to an hour and a half. When is the local government going to do something?" Montano said.
The Smart Border Coalition explained what's causing the long wait times.
"You have CBP inspections southbound, construction, fewer lanes open and more than 45,000 cars headed back into TJ from San Diego and El Chaparral you're asking for not the best situation as far as southbound wait times," said Joaquin Luken, executive director of the Smart Border Coalition.
An overpass construction project in Mexico near the border wall is impacting southbound traffic. The Viaducto Elevado project will connect Playa de Tijuana to the airport. Luken says the construction is expected to shutdown lanes in Tijuana for the next four to six months.
"It gets tiring it can be stressful but it is what it is," Stephanie said.
A Customs and Border Protection spokesperson says they typically see more travelers around the holidays. They plan to boost staffing at the border to try keeping up with the demand.
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