BajaNomad - Tecate to Ensenada road condition??

Tecate to Ensenada road condition??

Phil S - 9-14-2010 at 07:27 AM

Planning my annual trip south from Tec. to Ens to the Cape. There was mention of "road construction" being bad? On last years trip I'd made, there was construction near Ensenada. But that should have been finished by now. Where is this construction in relation to Tecate & Escondido. How long is it, and how bad? Anyone in the past 30 days or so, driven it that wasn't in a 4X4 pickup or high clearance vehicle? Driving new Toyota Sienna, and ground clearance isn't anything I can brag about.
Thanks for any info.

[Edited on 9-14-2010 by Phil S]

Pompano - 9-14-2010 at 07:40 AM

Phil..in case nobody has made that trip recently and you get no replys, I will be making that trip in about 2 weeks and can update you then. Will post my report. We will be towing a boat trailer with full-size pickup, plus a motorhome.

Taco de Baja - 9-14-2010 at 07:46 AM

Lots of construction south of Ensenada and south of El Rosario. However they do keep the dirt road bed smooth enough for low clearance vehicles. You may have a 15 minute wait at times as some sections are single lanes, plus you should always drive slow in construction zones with all the people and grading equipment on the ground.

Just watch out for the multiple flagmen giving different, and conflicting directions....Pay attention to the actual construction equipment BEFORE assuming the guy with the flag knows what he is doing. :rolleyes:

Phil S - 9-14-2010 at 07:48 AM

thank you Roger. Sounds like you'll be gone as we head south. Have a safe trip. You be gone long? You can send a U2 to answer that one if you'd like.

DENNIS - 9-14-2010 at 07:50 AM

Phil / Roger...........I first posted this on the 8th of this month:
-------------------

Just got this from a Nomad bud who didn't have time to put it up:
-------------------------------

"As of Monday morning, the upaved road section south of Tecate has expanded to a full 20 miles. It now begins just before the the town of valle de las palmas, before you run up the incline to the top of the hill.

Traversing the dirt section beginning at about 5:30 am Tuesday morning of this week, the "road", and i use that term lightly, is in far worse shape than when it was originally graded. Washboarding has set in in most places, as well as an abundance of rocks appear to be growing up through the "road" surface, and some loose unembedded rock.

My speed through the unpaved section has been reduced by literally 1/2 since they first tore up the road. The only smooth (and now oiled) section is: you guessed it, right in front of the Federaly station!

Also, I don't see any progress being made any where, which doesn't surprise me considering how long it took to do the 10 mile section from El Sauzal to San Antonio de las Minas!

It was misting and foggy at the lower end of the vally, just past Valle de Guadalupe, and then over the "summit" section, as it were.

Almost ALL of the day glow orange pylon road marker indicators are gone, save for a few short sections. It pretty much sucks!"

DENNIS - 9-14-2010 at 07:55 AM

Here's an update, 9/13, from the same person:
----------------------------------------------

THE ROAD IS WORSE! Necessatated another 20% reduction in speed. Some sections are really sh*tty, unless you're going 5 mph....for 20 frigg'in miles!

They've paved the first mile out of Tecate, right at the end of it. Leaving town they've created a double down hill switch back that's guaranteed to create accidents. I almost hit the guard rail it is such a severe and short double corner. with no warning. And I was going slow at the time!!!

Good grief..thanks Dennis.

Pompano - 9-14-2010 at 07:58 AM

I am sorry I missed your earlier post about the Tecate-Ensenada Road. I will pay better attention from now on.

I may have to change our route this time around...sigh.

Phil.sorry, I should have been more clear in my post above. We are SOUTHBOUND in a couple weeks..not NORTHBOUND.

Still way Up North slaying waterfowl, but packing for Baja till June or so.

David K - 9-14-2010 at 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Phil S
Planning my annual trip south from Tec. to Ens to the Cape. There was mention of "road construction" being bad? On last years trip I'd made, there was construction near Ensenada. But that should have been finished by now. Where is this construction in relation to Tecate & Escondido. How long is it, and how bad? Anyone in the past 30 days or so, driven it that wasn't in a 4X4 pickup or high clearance vehicle? Driving new Toyota Sienna, and ground clearance isn't anything I can brag about.
Thanks for any info.
[Edited on 9-14-2010 by Phil S]

Yes, the section of Hwy. 3 closer to Ensenada is finished and great... They are now working on the north end between Tecate and Valle de las Palmas, 16 miles south. I would avoid using Hwy. 3 and instead cross at Otay or Tijuana and go south... From Otay (or Tecate if you must) go to the Blvd. 2000 and use it to avoid Tijuana to get to Hwy. 1 south of Rosarito.

[Edited on 9-14-2010 by David K]

Phil S - 9-14-2010 at 11:07 AM

Thanks, fellow Nomads. Great information. Never been on Blvd 2000 before. Sounds like reasonable intelligence says, Tecate to 2000 to Rosarito. I can almost see either broken windshields, or chips, and probably rock chips on the front of my brand new car. Thanks for this update.
Roger. If you do take the route we both usually take, get back to me as to how it went.
Love my fellow nomads!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pompano - 9-14-2010 at 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Phil S
Thanks, fellow Nomads. Great information. Never been on Blvd 2000 before. Sounds like reasonable intelligence says, Tecate to 2000 to Rosarito. I can almost see either broken windshields, or chips, and probably rock chips on the front of my brand new car. Thanks for this update.
Roger. If you do take the route we both usually take, get back to me as to how it went.
Love my fellow nomads!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Phil, I'm choosing discretion this trip and will take the alternate route of Blvd 2000 to Rosarito, too. If you see any Yarcraft boat parts laying on the road, please put them in your trunk.

DENNIS - 9-14-2010 at 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Phil S
Sounds like reasonable intelligence says, Tecate to 2000 to Rosarito.

That's reasonable if you want to go to Rosarito, but south is the other direction when you hit HWY-1.
Just a minor detail that would straighten itself out when the time comes...I'm sure.

David K - 9-14-2010 at 02:43 PM

Phil, here's the road log with photos I did of the Blvd. 2000... from the Otay Border to Hwy. 1 (south of Rosarito and Popotla). Been here on the Road Conditions forum for a few years...

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=24396#pid4789...

There is no reason to drive all the way up to Tecate just to come back down to sea level... You have no greater amount of 'city driving' by driving 70 extra miles to Tecate from San Diego and back to the coast... Unless you just feel better crossing south at Tecate.

kaybaj - 9-14-2010 at 06:32 PM

went north on that road bout a week ago. yup from tecate to 20 miles south it's ripped apart. I drove that part early in the morning b4 the crews started so it wasn't bad. wouldn't want to go through during working hours though. i'm sure there's alot a delays.

Bob and Susan - 9-14-2010 at 07:03 PM

it was BAD today
very rocky and slow

bad on the tires and suspension

i went about 15mph
i would not take my motorhome or trailer on this right now

good new is...no wait in tecate
drove right up to the "guy"
and drove away
I guess i'm "off the list"

i was on blvd2000 friday
its pretty bumpy too

the best road right now is the toll road

Phil S - 9-14-2010 at 08:43 PM

David K. Will be coming from Phoenix, so Tecate is the route we've been doing for some time now. Thanks all.

willyAirstream - 9-14-2010 at 10:21 PM

I went thru Tecate Sunday morning, no line, took 30 seconds, no real inspection. Then I missed blvd 2000! Mex 3 with a 24 'trailer and a 47 yo TV was a nightmare. 10 mph was pushing it. 20 miles literally took 2 hours. Rough, vert rough. Luckily all held together. Do not do this road with a trailer, as others have warned. Do not miss blvd 2000

Bob and Susan - 9-15-2010 at 05:56 AM

take the 8 over to the 15 then south
stay in the usa till then

DENNIS - 9-15-2010 at 07:04 AM

Seems like there's a lot of "right" decisions and only one "wrong" one.

DianaT - 9-15-2010 at 08:19 AM

We drove from Ensenada to Tecate on the 7th this month mid-morning. We did not find it that bad and will continue taking that route, but we are driving a truck. It did not take us any more time than in the past, but part of that is that the first part out of Ensenada is so much faster now. One very good thing we have found the last couple of trips through there is that there were only a few trucks using that route, which makes it a lot easier through the mountains where it is still 2 lanes,.

BUT, sure can see how it would be a nightmare right now for a MOHO or trailer or a Toyota Sienna. NOT GOOD

HAVE A GREAT TRIP

desertcpl - 9-15-2010 at 09:08 AM

what would you think of this.
we will be coming from yuma going south to Mulege,
come in thru tecate then take MX 2 to Rosarito,, I have never been this way before, but looks very doable from looking at the map

windgrrl - 9-15-2010 at 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by desertcpl
what would you think of this.
we will be coming from yuma going south to Mulege,
come in thru tecate then take MX 2 to Rosarito,, I have never been this way before, but looks very doable from looking at the map

Thanks for asking this question. I have read through this thread and related threads with maps at hand and was wondering the same thing.

David K - 9-15-2010 at 10:00 AM

Quote:

While I did see Mex. 2 signs on Blvd. 2000, not sure if that is accurate... Just like I see Hwy. 3 signs south of San Felipe when it is Hwy. 5!

Cross at Tecate, come down the hill (a couple of blocks) to the major east/ west street across from the park/ town plaza. This is Hwy. 2, and a right turn is the free road west... it is 4 lanes all the way now... Take it to El Florido where you meet the Blvd. 2000... take it to Popotla which is just south of Rosarito on Hwy. 1, the free road.

If you take the toll highway to Tijuana, it is 7 miles longer, and the toll is pretty high for a 10 mile drive. The toll hwy. Mex. 2-D ends at the north end of Blvd. 2000. There is a big horn sheep monument there... just beyond the toll booth.

I recommend the free road west from Tecate having taken both recently.

Hwy. 1 is a nice drive to Ensenada... If you are in a hurry, you can hop onto the toll road at Cantamar, about 9 miles south of Popotla.

[Edited on 9-15-2010 by David K]

[Edited on 9-15-2010 by David K]

windgrrl - 9-15-2010 at 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

[Edited on 9-15-2010 by David K]

[Edited on 9-15-2010 by David K]

Perfect - thanks! I am looking at Google map of Tecate in conjunction with my handy dandy BC Almanac and your instructions are clear.

Thanks to all for your discussions and tips about gas, stops, pace and routes.

Pompano - 9-15-2010 at 11:21 AM

Sounds like the Tecate route is a no-go for us this trip.

We will be coming down Interstate I-5 or 15 to San Diego.

What's anyone's recommended route from San Diego to Ensenada for a large motorhome and pickup with boat trailer?

I'm assuming Otay Mesa will be the best entry point?..rather than TJ, but have never taken that route...so I need to know what dangers lie ahead. Many thanks.

DENNIS - 9-15-2010 at 11:43 AM

Let DK answer that one for you, Roger. I've seen his reply to the same question in the past and it was clear as a bell.
He's probably out on a job or down at some topless bar about now.

Pompano - 9-15-2010 at 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
Let DK answer that one for you, Roger. I've seen his reply to the same question in the past and it was clear as a bell.
He's probably out on a job or down at some topless bar about now.

Dennis, I would never drag a guy away from a topless bar. I will do a 'search' on Nomads and find DK's anwers. Muchas gracias.

Bob and Susan - 9-15-2010 at 03:55 PM

no otay is bad with a trailer

go to the regular tj crossing

at otay you need to make a left at a very busy intersection
then drive down that busy road
then blvd 2000 is really bumpy
something WILL fall out

even crossing into mexico at tecate
the border guys from the usa were
"interviewing" de-parters

the line was back to the mailbox place
about 15 deep

the toll road is in very good condition right now
it will cost YOU $$$
since they charge by the axel

David K - 9-15-2010 at 06:20 PM

Bob, what is bumpy on Blvd. 2000 now? It is a concrete freeway and we drove it about 70 mph last July...

[Edited on 9-16-2010 by David K]

Book5 123r.JPG - 21kB

DENNIS - 9-15-2010 at 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Bob, what is bumpy on Blvd. 2000 now? It is a concrete freeway and we drove it about 70 mph last July...

Yeah.....I don't get that either.

bajamigo - 9-15-2010 at 06:32 PM

As long as there are no bodies strewn about, it should be a smooth ride.

David K - 9-15-2010 at 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Bob, what is bumpy on Blvd. 2000 now? It is a concrete freeway and we drove it about 70 mph last July...

Yeah.....I don't get that either.

RnR - 9-15-2010 at 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Bob, what is bumpy on Blvd. 2000 now? It is a concrete freeway and we drove it about 70 mph last July...

[Edited on 9-16-2010 by David K]

Gotta agree with Bob. It is bumpy "with a trailer". I have a 26ft trailer and an extended cab pickup. On Blvd 2000, the truck and trailer start "porpoising" and the ride is just plain uncomfortable. I'm sure it's specific to the individual truck/trailer combo, but mine is really bad. The southern 5 miles or so have been planed to smooth out the joints and that part is great. I prefer mex 1-D toll road.

bajaguy - 9-15-2010 at 07:30 PM

I think the problem is that about every 20 feet on most Mexican poured concrete roads, they use a diferent engineer and contractor.....

desertcpl - 9-15-2010 at 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaguy
I think the problem is that about every 20 feet on most Mexican poured concrete roads, they use a diferent engineer and contractor.....

I agree,, here comes a new one to fix things up

mex1.jpg - 28kB

DENNIS - 9-15-2010 at 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by RnR
On Blvd 2000, the truck and trailer start "porpoising" and the ride is just plain uncomfortable.

Slow down and have a Pacifico....or two. You'll get there, eventually.

DENNIS - 9-15-2010 at 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by desertcpl

I agree,, here comes a new one to fix things up

That must be Nam, judgeing from the rice-paddy hat on the lady in the background.

bajaguy - 9-15-2010 at 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by desertcpl

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaguy
I think the problem is that about every 20 feet on most Mexican poured concrete roads, they use a diferent engineer and contractor.....

I agree,, here comes a new one to fix things up

Don't laugh........that is the new B-DOT (Baja Department of Transportation) rig that puts stripes on the road!!!!

desertcpl - 9-20-2010 at 08:49 AM

and one taken this in the last few days, any updates

gnukid - 9-20-2010 at 09:25 AM

How are they treating dogs heading south? does any one ever get asked for doggie paperwork and if so what is included?

willyAirstream - 9-20-2010 at 03:51 PM

Tecate crossing 8 days ago, just said Hi to the dogs. I haven't shown , or been asked, for any paperwork.

DENNIS - 9-20-2010 at 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gnukid
How are they treating dogs heading south? does any one ever get asked for doggie paperwork and if so what is included?

Isn't there a three dog limit going south through the border?