Travelers planning to cross into Tijuana from San Diego in early January should prepare for significant traffic disruptions and consider alternate routes to avoid long delays.
U.S. authorities have announced scheduled construction on southbound Interstate 5 near the San Ysidro Port of Entry, prompting lane closures and temporary access changes that will affect drivers heading toward the border.
Why I-5 South Will Be Affected
The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) will carry out safety and infrastructure upgrades at the San Ysidro land port of entry as part of a $2.7 million improvement project. The work includes removing speed bumps near inspection booths and replacing temporary barriers with permanent concrete dividers to improve traffic flow and safety.
Key Closure Dates and What to Expect
Phase 1: Full Weekend Closure
A continuous 56-hour closure will begin at 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, and end at 5:00 a.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026.
During this period:
- The Camino de la Plaza on-ramp to southbound I-5 will be closed
- The six westernmost lanes of southbound I-5 will be shut down
- The final U-turn back to U.S. lanes before the border will be unavailable
- Southbound traffic will be reduced where I-5 and I-805 merge near the border
Phase 2: Extended Lane Reduction
From 5:00 a.m. on January 9 through 5:00 a.m. on January 23, one interior (east) lane of southbound I-5 will remain closed within the construction zone.
Routes That Will Remain Open
Despite the closures, authorities confirmed that access to Tijuana will not be completely restricted:
- The El Chaparral Port of Entry will remain open throughout both phases
- Camino de la Plaza will continue to function as the final U.S. exit
- Vehicle access to El Chaparral will remain uninterrupted
Because of this, El Chaparral is expected to be the most reliable crossing option during the construction period.
Recommended Alternate Routes
To reduce wait times and congestion, travelers are encouraged to:
- Use the Otay Mesa Port of Entry as an alternative crossing
- Consider public transportation and cross on foot where possible
- Allow extra time for travel and plan crossings during off-peak hours
Drivers are also urged to follow temporary signage, slow down in construction zones, and remain alert as traffic patterns shift.
Officials warn that delays are likely, especially during peak travel hours, and recommend planning ahead to avoid unnecessary congestion at the border.
