SAN DIEGO (Border Report) — After 16 months of repair work, the Chaparral Bridge just south of the border in Tijuana reopened for traffic earlier this week.
The structure provides a vital link for drivers entering Tijuana’s downtown area through the San Ysidro Port of Entry.
It’s believed the reopening will greatly improve the flow of cars into the city and cut down on congestion during peak commuter hours.
In January 2023, it was closed after structural damage was confirmed on the bridge.
Several large cracks had developed on the roadway, and a few of the supports also displayed a need for repair.
“I believe this will have some positive effects as we now have another route for visitors to get into the city from the border crossing,” said Facundo Gámez, vice president of tourism with the city’s Chamber of Commerce. “Businesses nearby and in downtown will benefit greatly by having faster access into the city.”
Initially, the city expected to spend 75 million pesos, about $4.5 million to fix the bridge, but late last year the mayor admitted the actual cost would be around 100 million pesos, or $6 million.
An exact figure has not been released.
According to the city, 15,000 cars use the bridge on a daily basis.
The structure itself is about 1,300 feet long.
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