The San Ysidro and Otay Mesa border crossings are receiving upgraded technology for the Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection lanes, also known as SENTRI lanes. In addition to technology, the San Ysidro crossing will receive two new SENTRI lanes.
Construction began May 10.
The SENTRI lanes allow pre-screened applicants and vehicles to cross the border into the United States quickly and more efficiently through the use of a windshield-mounted transmitter.
San Ysidro, which already has two SENTRI lanes, is the world’s busiest land border crossing, with an average of more than 7,700 vehicles using the SENTRI program on a daily basis, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Otay Mesa, which has one SENTRI lane, has an average of more than 2,200 vehicles using SENTRI on a daily basis.
As part of the upgrade, the windshield transmitters will be embedded with a radio frequency chip, which will allow for faster border crossings.
The work is expected to take about four to six weeks, with the new SENTRI lanes expected to open by early summer, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Lisa Kovach
