Under construction
Otay Mesa East — Mesa de Otay II on the Mexican side — is a new border crossing under construction about two miles east of Otay Mesa, connecting SR-11 with Las Torres Boulevard. It is not open: there is no public entrance, no operating hours, and no wait to report. The highway connections to the site are complete and preliminary port construction is underway; SANDAG’s April 2025 update describes a possible phased opening with a late-2027 goal — a goal, not a date.
What’s planned
The design is built around keeping queues short: wait-time detection, traveller alerts, and congestion-based variable tolling, with a 20-minute average wait as the design target. Toll revenue is to be shared equally between the two countries; SANDAG’s board will set the rate, and no traveller price or payment method exists yet. GSA’s August 2025 agreements cleared the port to advance into construction — a $535 million port within a roughly $1.3 billion project. Until it opens, the corridor’s crossings are Otay Mesa (cars and pedestrians 24 hours; cargo 6 a.m.–10 p.m.), San Ysidro (24 hours, no trucks) and Tecate (6 a.m.–10 p.m.).
Quick answers
Is Otay Mesa East open?
No. Preliminary port construction is underway and the highway connections to the site are built, but there is no public entrance and no border service of any kind. Cross at Otay Mesa, San Ysidro or Tecate.
How much will the toll cost?
Not set. The design uses congestion-based variable tolling — the first planned at a national border crossing — and SANDAG’s board will set the rate. No price or payment method has been published, and none should be assumed.
When will it open?
SANDAG’s April 2025 update describes a possible phased opening with a late-2027 goal. That is a planning goal, not a committed date — check the agencies’ current notices before counting on it.