-Editorial
First Street in Calexico looks noticeably different these days. The former Calexico West Pedestrian Port of Entry, a fixture since the 1970s, now sits hidden behind white construction barriers as crews demolish the decades-old crossing that served generations of Calexico and Mexicali residents traveling back and forth on foot for nearly half a century.
The once-busy corner of First Street and Rockwood Avenue, adjacent to the former Selwick’s and Greyhound building, is unusually quiet after pedestrian operations shifted to the temporary crossing on Heffernan Avenue, located next to the city’s original port of entry, which still stands as a historic landmark.
That transformation will soon become even more noticeable as a section of First Street closes for approximately four weeks beginning Aug. 10, allowing crews to complete sewer infrastructure improvements associated with the modernization of the Calexico West Land Port of Entry. The closure will affect First Street between Paulin Avenue and Rockwood Avenue, with construction expected to continue through early September.
The closure is temporary and necessary to complete critical sewer improvements that support the ongoing redevelopment of the Calexico West pedestrian crossing.
Motorists should expect minor traffic delays and allow additional travel time when traveling toward the border. Drivers are advised to follow posted detour routes and traffic control signs throughout the construction area.
The sewer work is part of the larger multi-year modernization project at the Calexico West Land Port of Entry.
A temporary pedestrian processing facility opened Feb. 10, at the intersection of First Street and Heffernan Avenue, one block east of the original crossing, to maintain pedestrian operations during construction. The temporary facility provides standard border processing services, including inbound inspections, I-94 issuance, immigration services and cashier operations.
The modernization project calls for a permanent pedestrian processing building with 12 inspection booths. Construction is expected to continue through approximately 2029. Once the permanent facility is complete, the temporary site at First Street and Heffernan Avenue is planned to be converted into a public community plaza.
Travelers are reminded that a no-parking and no-drop-off zone remains in effect directly in front of the temporary pedestrian facility. The area is reserved for emergency and government vehicles. Utility and infrastructure work associated with the project may continue to result in intermittent lane adjustments in the surrounding area.
