BajaNomad - Update on Hiway 5 work/Coco's/Border crossing at Calexico

Update on Hiway 5 work/Coco's/Border crossing at Calexico

Santiago - 10-13-2015 at 06:19 AM

Went thru last weekend and serious work being done on the last section. Bridge pilings are in place on many of the washes and canyons, two small camps are built with lots of workers and heavy equipment in place and being used. Rebar being bent in a large yard and ready for trucking to the various locations. I'm guessing over a 100 workers, including camp cooks. Amazing.

We left BOLA at 9:00am and were in Mexicali around 4:30 which includes a stop at Coco's and a sit-down lunch in San Felipe.

Crossed at 7:00am Saturday morning, wait time was under 45 minutes. (West crossing).

Coco is going to Ensenada on the 19th for medical, back on the 20th he hopes. He no longer is sleeping in the camper, he has a kitchen and bed all set up in his meeting area. Had a nice chat, he seemed in good spirits.

maxj - 10-13-2015 at 07:14 AM

Does anyone have any information re: recent road conditions driving south on Highway 5 from San Felipe to the intersection of Highway 1. I've heard there's some rough road that requires 4-wheel drive. We're going to be headed to Todos Santos end of the month driving a Honda CR-V and pulling a small utility trailer. Coming from Idaho, going through Mexicali seems like a good option for us since we go through Las Vegas. We're driven Highway 1 from Tijuana several times but not for the last few years. Just trying to figure out what might be best the best route.

TMW - 10-13-2015 at 02:24 PM

You don't need 4 wheel drive. But be careful and keep an eye out for traffic big and small. In areas like that I usually have my windows down and listen for motor sounds.

bill erhardt - 10-13-2015 at 02:39 PM

Quote: Originally posted by maxj

Does anyone have any information re: recent road conditions driving south on Highway 5 from San Felipe to the intersection of Highway 1. I've heard there's some rough road that requires 4-wheel drive. We're going to be headed to Todos Santos end of the month driving a Honda CR-V and pulling a small utility trailer. Coming from Idaho, going through Mexicali seems like a good option for us since we go through Las Vegas. We're driven Highway 1 from Tijuana several times but not for the last few years. Just trying to figure out what might be best the best route.

I drove that road in late July. The last 24 miles or so before Mex. 1 are unpaved. Breaking in the suspension on a new 4-Runner the unpaved section took 45 minutes. The road was rocky and rough in places, but no need for four wheel drive. If I were pulling a trailer of any kind I would allow at least twice that 45 minutes, and probably more.

BigBearRider - 10-13-2015 at 03:24 PM

Has anyone gotten any sense of how long it will take before the last 23 miles are paved?

David K - 10-13-2015 at 04:47 PM

Quote: Originally posted by BigBearRider

Has anyone gotten any sense of how long it will take before the last 23 miles are paved?

I have been documenting the progress of the new highway from Puertecitos south since construction began in 2007.

It has been very close to 10 kms. per year (6-7 miles).

Without digging out my notes, they have completed about 100 kms. from Puertecitos... say 60 miles. 2015-2007=8 years... or 7.5 miles per year now.

With 20 miles more to go (23 current dirt miles less the shortcut west of Coco's and with less curves across the mountain to Chapala), at the current average of 7.5 miles per year we have 2 years and 8 months to finish... say 2018.

BAJA.DESERT.RAT - 10-13-2015 at 05:17 PM

Hola maxj,

WELCOME TO NOMADS !

i basically have the same setup as you. i have a honda element which is built on the crv frame and i have a 6' x 8' x 5' tall wells cargo trailer and have been going back and forth to los barriles for over seven years.

my only concern for you is usually, utility trailers have no major suspension, just a straight axle with no springs and mine just bounces all over the place on unpaved roads and shakes all my stuff all over the place even after trying to be careful tying everything down even driving at very low speeds, basically crawling.

i have never aired down my trailer tires and don't know if it would make a difference.

so, i suggest you take all the paved roads that you can and put delicate things in your car.

i have two hitch locks to secure the trailer when i have to leave it somewhere. BUT, i wrap a chain around the hitch after all my locks and padlock it in place.

have a great trip,

BIEN SALUD, DA RAT

David K - 10-13-2015 at 06:16 PM

After years of stubbornness on my part (and several flat tires all from sharp rocks)... I have relented to the advice of my off roading friends and always air down my tires on any graded dirt road drive that is an excess of say ~15 miles (driving slower than I like if too short a distance to deflate).

Dropping the air from the street pressure (34 psi in my case) to 25 psi on graded/ washboard roads has 100% ended flat tires for me (so far).

You see, with just a little more give the lower pressure allows, the rubber wraps around the sharp point of a rock instead of fights against it, and losing!

Of course, most know about deflating more for deep sand (10-20 psi depending on tire type and sand type, as well as weather conditions).

Pacifico - 10-13-2015 at 06:30 PM

Quote: Originally posted by BigBearRider

Has anyone gotten any sense of how long it will take before the last 23 miles are paved?

They are moving along pretty good from the looks of it. Once they get the bridges done over the arroyos, it should go pretty fast! But who knows? Viva Mexico! :?:

BigBearRider - 10-13-2015 at 06:57 PM

I'm hoping it will be done soon. I did get a flat on my bike there. Luckily, there's that Llantera where the dirt meets the 1.

rts551 - 10-13-2015 at 07:37 PM

Went this route (again) south last week. I drive slow, so the dirt part took me a little under two hours. At great risk of offending the knowledgeable DavidK, Never before have they had 50 pieces of heavy equipment, 3 cement batch plants, and at least 300 workers all at the same time (based on my observations over the last 35 years of traveling this road). They are now putting in the road base in Laguna Chapala 3.5 miles from hwy 1. The entire 23 miles is being worked on at once. I suspect they will have this done way before 2018.

rts551 - 10-13-2015 at 07:56 PM

There are a couple of very good road reports, including pictures, over on Talk Baja.

David K - 10-13-2015 at 09:51 PM

Quote: Originally posted by rts551

Went this route (again) south last week. I drive slow, so the dirt part took me a little under two hours. At great risk of offending the knowledgeable DavidK, Never before have they had 50 pieces of heavy equipment, 3 cement batch plants, and at least 300 workers all at the same time (based on my observations over the last 35 years of traveling this road). They are now putting in the road base in Laguna Chapala 3.5 miles from hwy 1. The entire 23 miles is being worked on at once. I suspect they will have this done way before 2018.

I would never let you offend me, but thanks for the concern. In fact, I do not disagree with you on this. But, like predicting a higher future sea level, until it happens, it is all just speculation. I can factually tell you how much has been done in the past 8 years and only if the rate of work increases (which it may have), will it be done before the end of 2018.

Have a nice day!

Whale-ista - 10-14-2015 at 12:42 AM

Copied from Talk Baja discussion, posted Oct. 12

Alternate Drive to/from Loreto - Update on Mex 5 Highway construction: Laurie and I took the alternate route up the Baja last week. Instead of driving Mex 1 to the border, we took Mex 5 which goes thru San Felipe. Supposed to save 3 hours to the border. A few interesting facts heading north (reverse read if you are headed south):
* The entrance to Mex 5 when going north is about 30 miles north of the turnoff to Bahia de los Angeles
* The entrance heads east, and is NOT marked "Mex 5", and does NOT note "San Felipe"... it is a small sign that says "Laguna Chapala".
* It is a dirt road for the first 22 miles (actually the last 22 miles of construction to be done, starting north to south). It is not a terrible road, but not great either. It was no problem for our little Toyota Rav 4.
* Take usual precautions for a remote dirt road... bring water in case of breakdown... ensure you have a spare tire and tire change gear.
* Around Mile 5, you will enter the construction zone... VERY interesting. It is mostly thru a canyon... tough construction environment!!!
* Lot's of bridges being built, amazing amount of dirt and rock being moved... it is worth driving this way just to see the construction.
* PHOTOS: The two photos are examples of a work camp (there are 6 of them) and the start of a bridge.
* Heading north, you will hit a beautiful brand new paved road... first class highway construction... wide lanes, big shoulder, long sweeping turns. 80mph felt slow on this road.... you could drive 120mph with no stress.
* Once you hit Bahia Gonzaga, SLOW DOWN!!! The older road between Gonzaga and San Felipe is pretty good in most places (not like the new part of the road), but there are some sudden dips at vados that will slam you to the pavement in the bottom and send you flying when you exit. These will take you by surprise... they sure did get us!
* From San Felipe to Mexicali, the road is great, no issues.
* The crossing into Calexico is easy and fast, no issues.
* Head north to I-8... OR, thru El Centro, past Salton Sea, to I-10.
* NOTE: Regarding time savings, excellent for anyone coming/going East (Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, etc)... not much time saved if you are going to San Diego or thru LA headed north.

rts551 - 10-14-2015 at 06:06 AM

Quote: Originally posted by David K

Quote: Originally posted by rts551

And much like predicting sea levels, taking a good look at factual data TODAY can be a better predictor than history. Remember, you can not always drive forward looking in the review mirror.

David K - 10-14-2015 at 06:15 AM

Data is not very effective if you only examine it from one single point in time but very effective if multiple readings over several years are compared. You just need the courage to accept the facts even when they are counter to the rantings of your mentors.
:light:

chuckie - 10-15-2015 at 06:46 AM

Profound.....(DUH)

mtnpop - 10-28-2015 at 08:33 PM

chasing down hwy 5 tomorrow, thurs 29th... will see what is now done to help out the drive...
friends traveled it yesterday and said 45 minutes... even if its a couple of hours it still cuts time for us..
will try to pay attention and let ya know how it goes...
just have to remember the killer vados...... airborne last year on one with an overhead camper on.... didn't break anything, thank the guardian angel... or whoever....
luck to us......

David K - 10-28-2015 at 09:56 PM

Quote: Originally posted by mtnpop

chasing down hwy 5 tomorrow, thurs 29th... will see what is now done to help out the drive...
friends traveled it yesterday and said 45 minutes... even if its a couple of hours it still cuts time for us..
will try to pay attention and let ya know how it goes...
just have to remember the killer vados...... airborne last year on one with an overhead camper on.... didn't break anything, thank the guardian angel... or whoever....
luck to us......

Killer vados are all on the old section between Punta Estrella and Puertecitos. That 40 miles is best driven at 50 mph max so you can slow quickly for the surprises!

rts551 - 10-29-2015 at 03:21 PM

drove it yesterday. course is marked along the road from Coco's on the dirt road and then for miles up the new hwy. Prerunners are already racing up the road.

David K - 10-29-2015 at 06:49 PM

So it doesn't look like they are having the race use any sections or parallel older, dirt road (instead of the new pavement)?

rts551 - 10-30-2015 at 07:05 AM

Not according to the markers

bfrazier - 11-1-2015 at 07:42 AM

Could someone give specifics about how the Baja 1000 impacts this drive? Sure as hell they don't rip through construction zones at 80, but since folks brought it up.... how does it affect the drive for the rest of us? Dates?

rts551 - 11-1-2015 at 08:09 AM

I would not be surprised if on race days (Friday Nov 21 and Sat Nov 22) it is not blocked off between Coco's and the beginning of pavement. If not, I would stay off of it. Too narrow to be negotiating with race cars.

On the 2 weeks leading up to the race there will be a lot of prerunning traffic.

norte - 11-2-2015 at 08:28 AM

Why is the "off-road"race held on so much pavement. Aren't these cars dangerous on the highway?

David K - 11-2-2015 at 08:38 AM

The original Baja races used the main roads (Hwy. 1 & 5), which were mostly dirt back in the 1960's. Beginning in 1973, route changes were made to have more dirt with the paving of Hwy. 1 that year. Since then, there has been a variety of courses looping around the peninsula as it is no longer just a timed run to La Paz.

Now, with the paved road south of Puertecitos to Gonzaga and no parallel dirt road, there is no way to loop the peninsula without using 50 miles+ of highway. How are the race cars dangerous, as they are limited to highway speeds now with GPS trackers onboard?

BajaGeoff - 11-2-2015 at 10:58 AM

When the race vehicles get on the pavement they enter what is known as a "speed zone" and can go no faster than 60mph. If they do go faster than 60mph they will get penalized.

rts551 - 11-2-2015 at 12:53 PM

Yes only 60. but if you have ever seen a TT or Class 1 come at you either direction "crab walking" it is a little unnerving.

motoged - 11-2-2015 at 01:32 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K

.... How are the race cars dangerous, as they are limited to highway speeds now with GPS trackers onboard?

Yep....not a problem..... :lol:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKzaR4CnfvM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGOiBmAc_M0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwlsBkQWhAo

DianaT - 11-2-2015 at 03:46 PM

It is about some of those chase vehicles ---

rts551 - 11-2-2015 at 04:12 PM

Quote: Originally posted by DianaT

It is about some of those chase vehicles ---

How are they dangerous. They are limited to hiway speeds.

Tioloco - 11-2-2015 at 04:14 PM

Chase vehicles are limited to hiway speed?

DianaT - 11-2-2015 at 04:17 PM

Quote: Originally posted by rts551

Quote: Originally posted by DianaT

It is about some of those chase vehicles ---

How are they dangerous. They are limited to hiway speeds.

We have made the mistake of being on the road during race time and if those chase vehicles are limited to the highway speed, well someone forgot to read the speed signs. Some drive like they are in the race where there is NO speed limit.

BigBearRider - 11-2-2015 at 04:29 PM

Quote: Originally posted by BajaGeoff

When the race vehicles get on the pavement they enter what is known as a "speed zone" and can go no faster than 60mph. If they do go faster than 60mph they will get penalized.

Of course, 60 mph is above the stated speed limit in most places, right? Is the speed limit over 80 km/h anywhere in that area? I recognize that most people don't drive the speed limit though...

motoged - 11-2-2015 at 04:35 PM

Posted speed limits have very little to do with how someone drives when in race fever mode....it's just how it is.

I am not knocking it....just amused by the notion that anyone really believes racers/support vehicles will adhere to posted speed limits.

I wouldn't want to be on the highways during Baja race events....I would much prefer to find a good vantage point where there are some technical challenges, a camp set-up, lotsa beer, snacks, firewood, and a few friends to keep me company....

Tioloco - 11-2-2015 at 04:39 PM

Motoged-
You got that right.

Tony Lee - 12-18-2015 at 11:57 AM

We drove down this road in a 35' dieselpusher motorhome a few weeks ago. Certainly not the worst 25 miles the RV has been on but a long way from the best either.
Just took it easy between 5 and 15mph and had no problems at all.