SANDAG and Caltrans Advance New Port of Entry in Otay Mesa

Construction Expected to Begin Later This Year

On Friday, the SANDAG Board of Directors took a crucial step forward to advance the State Route 11/Otay Mesa East Port of Entry project. The Board approved the execution of the Federal Project Agreement (FPA) and future Donation Acceptance Agreements between SANDAG, Caltrans, the United States General Services Administration, and the United States Customs and Border Protection. Over the past two years, SANDAG and Caltrans have been negotiating the terms of the agreement with those two federal agencies. 

The FPA outlines the roles of all agencies involved in the future U.S. Port of Entry’s design, construction, commissioning, operation, ownership, management, and future sharing of Residual Toll Revenue. 

In addition, the Board authorized the award of a $3.5 million contract to Atkinson/Clark Joint Venture for the pre-construction services for the Otay Mesa East Port of Entry and related facilities. Once all parties have signed, the FPA becomes effective and permits SANDAG to award the Port of Entry’s pre-construction contract. If the selected firm completes the first phase of pre-construction and all parties agree on the scope and price for the second phase, a Construction Services Agreement will be presented to the Board for approval. 

In late January, Caltrans will begin an early work project at the future Otay Mesa East site that will also open local road connections around State Route 11. When complete, SANDAG can begin construction of buildings and related facilities. 

Last month, California Governor Gavin Newsom visited the site and underscored the project's importance for the regional economy and binational trade relationship with Mexico. 

The San Diego congressional delegation, including U.S. Senator Padilla and Congressman Juan Vargas, played a critical role in gaining broader support for the project as they engaged in high-level discussions with the White House and Department of Homeland Security.

With state-of-the-art technology, the Otay Mesa East Port of Entry will provide a new access point in the California-Baja California region for personal and commercial vehicles. The new port of entry will include innovative technology elements, including dynamic tolling. It will shorten border wait times, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance regional mobility, fuel economic growth, strengthen border security, and bolster binational trade.

The total cost for the U.S.-side facilities is estimated at $1.3 billion. Once construction is underway, a phased-opening approach will be considered with a goal of opening in late 2027.