At a Glance
- GSA will close six I-5 lanes and an on-ramp for 56 hours starting Jan 6.
- Speed bumps will be replaced with permanent dividers near the San Ysidro Port of Entry.
- Drivers are urged to use the Otay Mesa POE to avoid delays.
- Why it matters: Travelers crossing the border will face significant lane closures and delays for almost a week.
Border commuters heading south on I-5 will encounter a nearly week-long lane and on-ramp closure as the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) begins work near the San Ysidro Port of Entry. The project, slated to start at 9 p.m. on Jan 6, will replace speed bumps with poured-in-place dividers and cost $2.7 million.
Construction Timeline
The project unfolds in two phases, each affecting different parts of the southbound corridor:
| Phase | Dates | Closure Scope |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jan 6 9 p.m. – Jan 9 5 a.m. | Camino de la Plaza on-ramp + six lanes north of San Ysidro POE |
| 2 | Jan 9 5 a.m. – Jan 23 5 a.m. | Easternmost I-5 southbound lane |
Impact on Commuters
Commuters have warned of chaos, with Border commuter Jose Medina predicting “un desmadre,” Spanish slang for chaos, and Josefina Aguirre calling the crossing a nightmare.
Border commuter Jose Medina stated:
> “un desmadre,” Spanish slang for chaos.
Josefina Aguirre remarked:
> “it’s going to be a nightmare crossing the border in a southbound direction.”
Administrator Edward C. Forst announced:
> “As the federal government’s landlord, GSA continues to invest in our land ports of entry and work jointly with regional partners to ensure our nation’s ports promote safe and secure trade and travel,” said Administrator Edward C. Forst. “We understand that construction can be disruptive, and we are working closely with Caltrans to minimize the impact on the traveling public and deliver these important improvements.”
- Monitor traffic signs
- Reduce speeds near construction
- Consider using the Otay Mesa POE
Key Takeaways
- Six I-5 lanes and an on-ramp will be closed for 56 hours starting Jan 6.
- Speed bumps will be replaced with permanent dividers near San Ysidro.
- Drivers should plan to use Otay Mesa to avoid delays.
Travelers crossing the border should expect significant disruptions and plan accordingly.
