Otay II Border Crossing: Easing Tijuana & San Diego Congestion in 2027
- The long-awaited Otay Mesa East border crossing, also known as Otay II, is expected to alleviate congestion at existing Tijuana-San Diego border crossings upon its completion in 2027.
- On January 10, 2025, local officials in San Diego approved key agreements necessary to begin construction of the new port of entry.
- According to SANDAG CEO Mario Orso, the agreement establishes the relationship between the federal government and the project sponsors, outlining how they will assist U.S.
The long-awaited Otay Mesa East border crossing, also known as Otay II, is expected to alleviate congestion at existing Tijuana-San Diego border crossings upon its completion in 2027. The project, a joint effort between the United States and Mexico, aims to enhance border security, reduce wait times and streamline binational trade.
On , local officials in San Diego approved key agreements necessary to begin construction of the new port of entry. These agreements, two years in the making, set the framework for collaboration between project sponsors and the federal government. The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), along with Caltrans, were awarded a $3.5 million contract to Atkinson/Clark joint venture for preconstruction services related to Otay Mesa East and associated facilities.
According to SANDAG CEO Mario Orso, the agreement establishes the relationship between the federal government and the project sponsors, outlining how they will assist U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). While CBP did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the agreement, its eventual signature is crucial for the project’s progression.
The $1.3 billion Otay Mesa East project is designed to accommodate both commercial and passenger vehicles. While initially slated for completion in late 2024, negotiations with the federal government caused delays, pushing the expected completion date to the end of . Construction on the Mexican side of the border crossing is nearing completion.
Further agreements were finalized on , involving CBP, the General Services Administration (GSA), Caltrans, and SANDAG. These agreements greenlit the construction of the state-of-the-art port of entry. Under a collaborative model, Caltrans and SANDAG will construct the facility and then donate it to the U.S. Government through the GSA and CBP Donation Acceptance Program.
Acting Commissioner of GSA’s Public Buildings Service in the Pacific Rim Region, Amanda Sweeney, stated that the agreement would “strengthen our southern border while allowing for faster, safer trade.” She also highlighted the cost savings for American taxpayers resulting from this innovative solution.
The signing of these donation agreements builds upon a broader Federal Project Agreement established in . Sidney Aki, Director of Field Operations, CBP San Diego, expressed gratitude to partners for their commitment to the project, emphasizing its potential to strengthen security, improve efficiency, and support the economic livelihood of the San Diego region.
The Otay Mesa East Port of Entry is intended to improve passenger and cargo flows between Tijuana and San Diego, reducing travel times, easing congestion, cutting emissions, and bolstering binational trade. The new port is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities designed to enhance border security and simplify trade processes.
As of today, , officials in Baja California are considering a partial opening of the Otay Mesa II port of entry, potentially in a southbound direction only, given the delays on the U.S. Side. This potential move aims to alleviate pressure on existing crossings.
The new Mesa de Otay II – Otay Mesa East international border crossing will be the first to feature a single toll collection point, further streamlining the border crossing process. The binational investment in this project is expected to facilitate trade on both sides of the border.
Authorities are also evaluating whether the Otay II port of entry can help relieve congestion at the existing Otay I crossing, which remains one of the busiest commercial border crossings in the region. The goal is to reduce wait times while maintaining security standards.
The Otay Mesa East Port of Entry is located approximately two miles east of the existing Otay Mesa Port of Entry. It will operate 24 hours a day and include SENTRI lanes, offering expedited processing for pre-approved, low-risk travelers. The port aims to provide shorter wait times compared to the San Ysidro crossing.