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-Editorial
While drivers from both sides of the border are still getting used to the changes in crossing the border at the west port of entry expansion, there will be new changes coming soon that will impact traffic coming and going of Calexico.
The construction of the expanded Calexico West (Downtown) Port of Entry by the General Services Administration was complete for both northbound and southbound traffic in September 2018. Traffic circulation patterns changed to address this project during construction. However, there is still funding pending for the final phase of the port of entry expansion and does not include for the pedestrian crossing.
Beginning in mid-June 2019, the construction of Cesar Chavez Boulevard in the City of Calexico will be complete. This newly improved and widened facility will provide the primary access to the port of entry for southbound traffic. To access Cesar Chavez Boulevard, travelers should head south on State Route 111 and turn right (westbound) on State Route 98.
A left turn on Cesar Chavez Boulevard will then lead to the port of entry. There will be three southbound lanes on Cesar Chavez Boulevard from Grant Street to the port entrance. One lane will serve as dedicated local traffic the only lane and provide access to those businesses located on Cesar Chavez. This lane will also provide direct access to the Gran Plaza Outlet Mall and the other businesses located to the west.
Southbound travelers to Mexico may also use SR111 to Grant Street in Calexico. This will serve as an alternate route and will direct traffic westerly to Cesar Chavez Boulevard as well.
Northbound traffic circulation from the POE to destinations in Calexico and beyond will remain unchanged. There will be two northbound access lanes on Cesar Chavez Boulevard to serve businesses and oversize vehicles.
