> At a Glance
> – I-5 south of San Ysidro will close for up to 3 weeks as a $2.7 million construction project starts next week.
> – Phase 1 (9 p.m. Tuesday-5 a.m. Jan 9) closes six lanes and a ramp for 56 hours.
> – Phase 2 (5 a.m. Jan 9-5 a.m. Jan 23) closes the inside lane in the median.
> – Why it matters: Drivers heading south on I-5 near the border should plan for extended lane closures and merge adjustments that could add significant travel time.
Motorists traveling southbound on Interstate 5 near the San Ysidro Land Port of Entry will face a multi-week construction schedule that will close several lanes and an on-ramp. The $2.7 million project is designed to improve safety and traffic flow at the busy border crossing.
Construction Timeline
The work is split into two phases that together span roughly 3 weeks. Phase 1 begins at 9 p.m. Tuesday and runs through 5 a.m. Jan 9, while Phase 2 starts at 5 a.m. Jan 9 and continues through 5 a.m. Jan 23.
- Phase 1 (9 p.m. Tuesday-5 a.m. Jan 9):
- Remove speed humps near southbound inspection booths.
- Replace temporary concrete barriers with permanent dividers.
- Close the Camino de la Plaza on-ramp and the six western-most lanes of southbound I-5 for 56 hours.
- Merge southbound traffic on I-5 and I-805 into fewer lanes as vehicles approach the border.
- Keep the Camino de la Plaza off-ramp and El Chaparral crossing to Tijuana open.
- Phase 2 (5 a.m. Jan 9-5 a.m. Jan 23):
- Close the eastern-most inside lane on southbound I-5 within the center median at the San Ysidro Land Port of Entry.
- Keep the Camino de la Plaza off-ramp and El Chaparral crossing open.
What Drivers Need to Know
Drivers are urged to plan ahead and expect delays. The California Highway Patrol recommends using the Otay Mesa Land Port of Entry or public transit when possible. Enforcement of traffic rules will be increased during the construction period.
| Phase | Start | End | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 9 p.m. Tuesday | 5 a.m. Jan 9 | 56 hours |
| 2 | 5 a.m. Jan 9 | 5 a.m. Jan 23 | 14 days |
The $2.7 million project is managed by the General Services Administration, which oversees federal property, and aims to enhance safety, security, and traffic flow at the border crossing.
Key Takeaways
- I-5 south of San Ysidro will close for up to 3 weeks, affecting several lanes and a ramp.
- Phase 1 (9 p.m. Tue-5 a.m. Jan 9) includes a 56-hour closure of six lanes and the on-ramp.
- Phase 2 (5 a.m. Jan 9-5 a.m. Jan 23) closes the inside median lane; off-ramp and El Chaparral crossing remain open.
With the construction set to begin next week, motorists should allow extra travel time and consider alternative routes or transit options to avoid the lane closures near the San Ysidro border crossing.
