Construction on I-5 Near San Ysidro Port of Entry Causes Delays for Drivers

Significant Construction Project to Impact Traffic at San Ysidro Border Crossing

Motorists using southbound Interstate 5 near the San Ysidro Land Port of Entry should prepare for substantial delays as a $2.7 million construction project commences next week, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).

The project will unfold in two phases over a span of roughly three weeks, focusing on enhancing safety, security, and traffic flow at this heavily trafficked border crossing.

The first phase is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. on Tuesday and will continue until 5 a.m. on January 9. During this period, crews will remove speed humps near the southbound inspection booths and replace temporary concrete barriers with permanent dividers. This phase will feature a continuous 56-hour closure of the Camino de la Plaza on-ramp, as well as the six westernmost lanes of southbound I-5. As vehicles approach the border, southbound traffic from I-5 and Interstate 805 will merge into fewer lanes; however, the Camino de la Plaza off-ramp and access to Tijuana, Mexico, through the El Chaparral crossing will remain accessible.

Following this, the second phase will kick off at 5 a.m. on January 9 and run through 5 a.m. on January 23. This phase entails a continuous closure of the easternmost inside lane on southbound I-5, located within the center median at the San Ysidro Land Port of Entry. Access to the El Chaparral crossing will remain open, along with the Camino de la Plaza off-ramp.

CHP officials encourage drivers to plan accordingly and expect delays during this period. They recommend utilizing the Otay Mesa Land Port of Entry or public transit alternatives when feasible. Increased traffic enforcement will be in place throughout the construction period.

The project is being executed by the General Services Administration, which oversees federal property management.