SAN DIEGO (Border Report) — As new access to the San Ysidro Port of Entry starts to take shape, one councilmember is urging the city of Tijuana to launch an awareness campaign to educate the public about the pending changes south of the border.
Councilwoman Gina Arana Cruz says the new traffic lanes and patterns are going to be confusing for most people, and that’s why an education component is necessary.
City traffic engineers have unveiled a plan to revamp the way people approach and drive up to the port of entry, something that hasn’t been attempted since 1960.
Access to the “Ready” and “SENTRI” lanes is being changed.
Those with clearance for these lanes will have to approach the crossing from the west on Second Street instead of from the south along the river channel.
“There needs to be some campaign to clarify how these new routes will be implemented to avoid confusion and traffic gridlock,” Arana Cruz said. “I’m happy the city is looking into the traffic mobility around the crossing, which is a major concern for residents, but there needs to be more awareness.”
The new traffic lanes and patterns are supposed to be in place by mid-November.
Tijuana’s mayor has said the roadways and access ramps around the port of entry are “chaos,” and there needs to be investment and restructuring to make it better.
But Arana Cruz says more needs to be done to ensure proper flow, not just an overhaul of traffic lanes and patterns.
“There’s a need for sidewalks, bike lanes, fixing the actual roads and repairing potholes as well,” she said. “We also need more traffic signals and signs, they don’t cost a lot but do help a lot.”
A city spokesman has said the city is going ahead with its plan to revamp the way cars move around and the San Ysidro Port of Entry and that it won’t be as confusing as some people think.
He said new signs will be placed along with police officers to ensure traffic mobility.
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