I-5 Southbound Lane Closures at Tijuana Border Crossing
Residents and visitors who regularly cross into Tijuana should be aware of upcoming lane closures on Interstate 5 southbound near the San Ysidro / El Chaparral border crossing.
Beginning Tuesday, January 6, U.S. authorities will begin a short-term construction project affecting the southbound approach to the border. The work is focused on safety and traffic-flow improvements near the inspection booths and will take place in two phases.
What to expect
Phase 1: January 6 (9:00 PM) – January 9 (5:00 AM)
- Multiple southbound I-5 lanes will be closed as traffic approaches the border
- The Camino de la Plaza on-ramp will be closed during this phase
- Southbound traffic from I-5 and I-805 will merge earlier than usual
- Access to El Chaparral remains open, but significant delays are likely
Phase 2: January 9 (5:00 AM) – January 23 (5:00 AM)
- A single interior lane will remain closed within the construction zone
- Traffic will continue to flow, but congestion should still be expected at peak times
Planning ahead
Drivers crossing during these dates should allow extra time, especially during evenings, weekends, and early mornings. If your schedule is flexible, consider crossing during off-peak hours or using alternate routes such as Otay Mesa.
Please follow posted signage, expect lane shifts, and use caution when approaching the construction area.
Maps and details
A downloadable PDF with detailed maps for both construction phases is available below. The maps show lane closures, affected ramps, and merge areas to help you plan your crossing.