SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — Monday marks a major step forward in improving international travel with Mexico. Construction for the long awaited second border crossing at Otay Mesa has begun.
The Lieutenant Governor, California Secretary of Transportation, Caltrans and SANDAG joined Mexican Federal officials to commemorate the groundbreaking, which is more than two decades in the making.
California and Mexican officials say the goal is to improve cross-border commerce, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transform the movement of people and goods throughout the California-Baja California region.
“We can have a more efficient system with more capacity and that is what this represents. As soon as it’s up and open we’re going to see people being able to cross in 40 minutes with the same level or even a heightened level of security,” said Lieutenant Governor, Eleni Kounalakis.
The new port of entry, also known as Otay II, will have four lanes and a toll that will be collected after exiting the inspection point on the U.S. side.
Officials say the revenue will be divided between the United States and Mexico.
The goal is to complete the construction by September 2024.
WATCH RELATED: US and Mexico officials celebrate completion of freeway connector ramp near Otay Mesa East POE (July 26, 2022)