Construction of the long-planned Otay II border crossing is moving forward on the San Diego side, with authorities now pointing to late 2028 as a potential target for its opening.
Mario Orso, executive director of the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), said construction of the U.S. facilities is progressing and that the project could reach a ribbon-cutting in 2028.
Technology Remains One of the Key Pieces
While physical construction continues, several technological components still need to be resolved before the crossing can become operational.
Among them are the systems that will manage tolling and wait times. According to Orso, those systems will require coordination between authorities on both sides of the border.
That technology is also connected to the project’s financing. Orso said the project may require a loan, but having the necessary technology defined will be important for qualifying for that financing.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom has also supported the project by redirecting funding intended to help accelerate construction and keep the planned timeline on track.
Two Major Technology Contracts Are Being Prepared
SANDAG is also working on two technology-related procurements.
One is the Back Office system, which will handle the technology behind the crossing’s processes, including algorithms and other functions.
The second is the Roadside System, which covers the technology infrastructure installed alongside or above the transportation lanes.
Orso said each procurement can take roughly a year, followed by additional time to implement the systems. That makes the timing of the bidding processes particularly important.
He added that defining responsibilities between Mexico and the United States, completing the necessary procedures on schedule and establishing clear governance over the technology will be essential to moving the project forward.
For now, the goal remains to complete the work in time for an Otay II opening toward the end of 2028.
