SAN DIEGO - Officials break ground at a new border crossing which could help alleviate those long wait times.
Construction will soon begin on a new border crossing near Otay Mesa where in a couple years you'll be able to pay a toll and get across the border in 20 minutes or less. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria was among those at the groundbreaking ceremony Monday.
“Too often our border is discussed in terms of conflict, today we're here to show that our border communities are a place of collaboration and cooperation," said Mayor Gloria.
State officials have noted a 30 percent increase in traffic at the border in the last decade. Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis said heavy traffic at the border has negatively impacted the economy.
“It is estimated that the increasing wait times cost the United States and Mexico a combined $3.4 billion in annual economic output and more than 88,000 jobs each year," Kounalakis said at the groundbreaking.
The Otay Mesa East Port of Entry will be the fifth port of entry connection Tijuana and San Diego County. Commercial vehicles will also be able to use the new toll crossing.
The project will cost about $1.1 Billion and is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.
Photo: KGTV