Bridges to Bargains

The new east-west pedestrian bridge being constructed at the San Ysidro border crossing is rising rapidly from its formerly inchoate state. Since a pile-driver pounded piers into the ground a few months back, it’s been vague as to when and how the project would proceed. But, with the recent bending of rebar and the construction of wooden forms, it seems the pouring of concrete is imminent.

The bridge will be a singular dedicated pedestrian bridge that will offer a quicker route into Mexico and to the outlet stores and malls located along Camino de la Plaza, west of the freeway on the U.S. side.

The bridge will be 806 feet long and is considered the first phase of a complete remodeling of the 30-year-old San Ysidro port of entry. The website for the project (gsa.gov/sanysidrolpoe) states that the bridge project is scheduled to take approximately 18 months and that motorists in the area can expect delays and detours. The website also offers artists’ conceptions of what the final bridge and port will look like.