CBX To Go Through Major Expansion

California approved the expansion of the Cross Border Xpress (CBX), a pedestrian border bridge that connects the US to the Tijuana International Airport, reports A21. The project includes a 646 m2 expansion of the Cross Border Police processing area, which will allow the crossing to double the number of cabins available. 

Mexican authorities expect the project to be completed by December 2022. The goal is that all passengers that go into or exit the US through Tijuana do so using the CBX. According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, US Commissioner Kelly Moden said the expansion makes sense on many fronts, not only in fluidity but also in the relations between the US and Mexico. “I think expanding (the CBX) is the best thing for our economy and our relationship with our neighbor,” said Moden, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.

The Planning Commission of the City of San Diego, California, gave its approval to turn three public streets within CBX property into private streets. The San Diego Union-Tribune explains that these streets will be reconfigured into one-way streets so that traffic can travel clockwise “mimicking the circulation patterns of traditional airports for drop-off and pick-up.” 

Future stages of the expansion plan also include a parking lot with the capacity to house up to 2,240 parking spots, 170 new hotel rooms, a gas station and retail shops, reports A21. These plans are part of CBX’s original designed approved in 2012. However, "although they remain in our master plan, we do not have an established timetable for when these actions will be carried out," CBX authorities told A21.

Once all expansions and upgrades are complete, the CBX could process about 7 million passengers per year, explains the San Diego Union-Tribune. All expansions are expected to be completed by 2036. These would make CBX an important border crossing worldwide and increase circulation for both countries. “I see the opportunity for it to be an international hub, which is difficult for us at our local airport,” said Commissioner Doug Austin, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. “I can’t wait for COVID-19 to be gone so I can use it more often.”