CBP operation to effectively process more than 4.3 million vehicles

A new vehicle processing operation conducted by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection is set to effectively process more than 4.3 million vehicles that enter the United States, beginning on Tuesday.

The transition comes from the existing Calexico downtown port of entry to a new inspectional facility following the completion of phase one of a two-phase expansion and modernization project.

Phase one of the Calexico port of entry expansion project consists of five southbound vehicle lanes and a southbound bridge over the New River, 10 northbound vehicle lanes with primary and secondary inspection canopies, booths and state of the art inspection technologies, a new head house, and site work to accommodate those facilities on the sloping site.

Phase two of the project will include additional site work, demolition of the existing port building, a new pedestrian processing facility, administrative offices, and six additional northbound vehicle inspection lanes.

“The new vehicle processing facility reflects our commitment to border security, as well as to economic prosperity in the region,” said Area Port Director David Salazar. “It enhances our ability to ensure the flow of legitimate international travel while safeguarding the Imperial Valley from terrorism, dangerous narcotics, human trafficking, and other criminal threats.”

CBP said vehicles entering the United States through the new facility will continue to have access to Imperial Avenue/State Route 111 and Second St. in Calexico.

Pedestrian crossing at the Calexico downtown port of entry remains unchanged.