SAN DIEGO —
In an effort to make the border crossing faster in San Ysidro, two new lanes were added at Interstate 5 as part of the San Ysidro Port of Entry Modernization and Expansion project.
Caltrans and California Highway Patrol, along with U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), are working to complete the southbound freeway enhancements towards the San Ysidro Port of Entry.
The two lanes will widened southbound I-5 to eight lanes from south of the Camino De La Plaza Bridge to El Chaparral in Tijuana, Mexico. The lane opening marks the completion of the third phase of the GSA's San Ysidro Land Port of Entry modernization project, which also includes the addition of nearly 40 inspection booths at the U.S.-Mexico Border.
Caltrans and CHP gave media a first look into the freeway workzone Tuesday, where crews installed lanes with “Mexico” and “Last U.S. Exit” drawn into the pavement, LED roadside signs, and striping operations designed to guide southbound motorists and avoid unintentional crossings into Mexico.
Two more lanes are expected to open this month, bringing the total to 10 southbound lanes. Cross-border travelers are encouraged to pay attention to posted road signs, which announce changes to southbound traffic patterns flowing into Mexico, according to GSA.