BajaNomad

otay mesa crossing

marv sherrill - 11-13-2007 at 11:54 AM

Just tapping the nomad information center again - we took the new road to Otay mesa home last time and the highway was great, but the construction confusion and slooow border crossing lanes made it really not worth it - however due to the recent horror stories, I would like to avoid Tijuana altogether - SO - if I cross at Otay Mesa going south is the new road hard to find? it seems like the ideal way to go! - thanks in advance - Marv and Gail

bajaguy - 11-13-2007 at 01:35 PM

When you cross the line, stay in the left lane. You will proceed one mile from the crossing before you have to make a left turn. During this segment, you will come to a "ALTO" sign, one lane going off to the right, one lane straight ahead. Continue straight to first stop light. There will be a tire shop on your left side.

Turn left at this intersection and proceed approximately 4 1/2 miles before your next turn. During this segment, you will pass through many stop signals and drive under a bridge marked "PANASONIC".

At approximately 4 1/2 miles, you will se signs that indicate "Rosarito" and Tecate/Mexicali"

Take the turn off/ramp that is for Roasrito. You will now be on Blvd 2000 (think its Mex 201) Continue south for approximately 26 miles. Keep alert for some ALTO signs. and cross traffic You will dead-end at the stop sign at the "free" road in Popotla.

Turn left on the free road, drive past Calafia and take the first toll road on-ramp that you come to....it will be the Puerto Nuevo ramp....head south to Ensenada. You will encounter only one toll booth ath the end of the toll road in Ensenada

REMEMBER, drive offensively

David K - 11-13-2007 at 05:14 PM

Hi Marv,

I did a road log for that drive on the Nomad Road Conditions forum (with photos and satellite map): Click here: http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=24396

idleguy - 11-14-2007 at 10:17 AM

Another question regarding Otay....

We are also planning to cross here and use the new road next month thanks to David and other posts on the board.

My question(s) are because we would like to go across on Sunday morning and we've got some stuff to declare will they be able to accommodate us? Also will we be able to get our FMT's there at Otay on Sunday? I understand it's now a 24/7 crossing.

dorbaja - 11-15-2007 at 10:16 AM

Great directions for driving south... But, how do you find/use the short-cut to Otay when you're driving north?? Gracias!

Bob and Susan - 11-15-2007 at 03:27 PM

idleguy

that's a good question...are they open sunday for importing:?:

i would think not as they don't let anyone import until about 8:30AM
on weekdays:?:

i'd go to tj and get my fmt there which is open 24-7
and...
then let the people import the stuff there

they can do small stuff
big things they will tell you to go to otay and wait until monday
then you're screwed anyway:o

Sunman - 11-15-2007 at 04:18 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by dorbaja
Great directions for driving south... But, how do you find/use the short-cut to Otay when you're driving north?? Gracias!


Exit Popotla/Calafia heading North, go north on the libre and turn right at Fox Studios. There was a detailed post a ways back if you search for it.

D'Oh, see David K's link above.

[Edited on 11-15-2007 by Sunman]

GWBaines - 11-15-2007 at 04:37 PM

Related question.. How is it to get tourist permits at the Otay crossing? Is there any parking for a truck and trailer?

bajaguy - 11-15-2007 at 06:17 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Sunman
Quote:
Originally posted by dorbaja
Great directions for driving south... But, how do you find/use the short-cut to Otay when you're driving north?? Gracias!


Exit Popotla/Calafia heading North, go north on the libre and turn right at Fox Studios. There was a detailed post a ways back if you search for it.

D'Oh, see David K's link above.

[Edited on 11-15-2007 by Sunman]





If you are northbound on the toll road, you need to take the Puerto Nuevo exit.....there is no Popotla/Calafia exit

Bob and Susan - 11-15-2007 at 07:36 PM

GWBaines

you drive into secondary
park with the importers
there's long spots there

walk back up to where you entered secondary
walk back to the bank in secondary
walk back up to the entry to secondary

it CAN be done
"mom" did it while i was importing

Sunman - 11-15-2007 at 08:30 PM

Thanks for the correction Bajaguy, you are indeed correct. Lo siento amigos.