BajaNomad - Fastest Route to Mexicali Border?

Fastest Route to Mexicali Border?

mrfatboy - 7-2-2009 at 03:00 PM

What's the best route to get to the Mexicali border? I seemed to remember taking route 98 from the 8 but google maps is saying take Hwy 8 to hwy 111.

DianaT - 7-2-2009 at 03:49 PM

Highway 98 is the shortcut and the direct route into Calexico---we always take the 8 to the 98 turnoff right as you come down from the mountains. Highway 98 takes you to 111 --- Imperial Ave in the middle of Calexico and very near the border. Highway 111 AKA Imperial Ave. is the one that takes you to the main crossing into Mexicali.

However, if you follow Highway 8 beyond the 98 turnoff, you will come to a turn-off for Highway 111.

You can go either way---we just prefer Highway 98 and think it is more direct. BTW, careful on 98---easy to pick up lots of speed and the highway patrol are often there. :yes:

Opps, one more thought. If you want to cross at the east crossing, just stay on 98 headed out of town and it will take you to 7 ----well marked.

[Edited on 7-2-2009 by jdtrotter]

mrfatboy - 7-2-2009 at 04:09 PM

thanks for the info. Although Google maps says taking the 98 is about 20 minutes longer, psychologicaly 98 seems shorter :tumble:

I will be taking the 98.

DianaT - 7-2-2009 at 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mrfatboy
thanks for the info. Although Google maps says taking the 98 is about 20 minutes longer, psychologicaly 98 seems shorter :tumble:

I will be taking the 98.

Their maps amaze me sometimes. We drove back and forth once a week for two years and always made better time on 98----but maybe they are thinking about driving 70 on 8 and 55 on 98. :yes:

Seriously, I have had google maps, map quest, etc., give some strange routes to follow in driving instructions---some take one waaaaaaaaaaay out of the way.

[Edited on 7-2-2009 by jdtrotter]

David K - 7-2-2009 at 04:20 PM

For ever... (the 60's to last year), I used the 98 to Calexico... Last year, I tried Baja Angel's El Centro route (stay on I-8 to 111) and believe it is FASTER... I-8 has a higher speed limit, a rest stop if needed, then 111 is fast with only 1 or 2 signals to Calexico. I was surprised... Try it, you might like it??

N2Baja - 7-2-2009 at 04:41 PM

Another thing to consider is that the 98 is only a two lane road which means having to pass any slow moving vehicles you come upon. If you're pulling a trailer, or just have a heavy load, you're probably better off staying on 8 and taking the 111 since they're both straight shots.

Just my .02

Bajajorge - 7-3-2009 at 10:18 AM

To go to the east crossing off 98 probably is alittle further than straight down 111, but once through the east crossing it's only about 10 minutes down Calzada Gomez Morin to Hwy 5 to San Felipe. On a none work day there is zero traffic as this is an industrial area. There's always traffic after coming through the 111 main crossing.

psmith - 7-4-2009 at 01:20 PM

Is there a lot of construction going North to the East Crossing?

best, paul

Bajajorge - 7-5-2009 at 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by psmith
Is there a lot of construction going North to the East Crossing?

As of May 09, no construction through Mexicali on Calzada Gomez Morin to East Crossing, :?:

but mega construction on Hwy 5 about 20 miles north of San Felipe.

Rough dirt road detour, knocked the hell out of my trailer.