California, Mexico sign agreement to open new border crossing

Commercial freight trucks line up to cross into the United States from Mexico through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection – Otay Mesa Port of Entry on March 20, 2020 in San Diego. (Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

by: Los Angeles Times

Posted: Jun 29, 2021 / 10:01 AM PDT

Updated: Jun 29, 2021 / 10:01 AM PDT

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The governments of California and Mexico signed an agreement Monday stating their commitment to work together to open new border crossing at Otay Mesa by late 2024.

With the new gate, the third in the San Diego region, officials aim to reduce long port-of-entry wait times. The goal with the added crossing is a wait time of no more than 20 minutes.

Currently, passenger vehicles and commercial trucks crossing the border between Tijuana and San Diego may endure tedious waits — harming business, as well as air quality as they idle in line — officials said.

“This new port of entry will not only spur economic activity, but it will also improve the quality of life for the millions of Californians and Mexicans who frequently cross one of the busiest borders in the world,” said California Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis.

Read the full story on LATimes.com.