Drive from San Felipe to Calexico-East border crossing

Back in December 2012, we brought you an update on San Felipe - Mexicali Highway 5 road conditions, at the time, we mentioned phase 1 of the highway 5 upgrade had been completed.  About the middle of June 2013, the road construction picked up again.  This new construction created miles of detours which frustrated many travelers, especially because the detours were very bumpy with road conditions best suited for a 4-wheel drive car.  Also, this added 30 - 50 minutes of travel time because road users had to slow down significantly. 

Many did not know this, but the reason for so many detours was because the government awarded phase-2 of San Felipe - Mexicali 5 construction to three different contractors.  As a result, there were several stretches of highway all torn up at the same time.  Three major goals of the construction was to identify flood channels and erect a bridge over these.  Second goal was to smooth out several sharp turns along the highway. Third goal was to add a shoulder to portions of the highway which did not previously have a shoulder creating harzardous road conditions.

Phase-2 construction completed early 2014.  Getting to San Felipe and back has never been this smooth.  While previously, it was recommended not to drive on the San Felipe highway at night, especially if you had not been, because of several sharp turns, this is a thing of the past.  It is now safe to drive anytime of the day - even if you have never driven the highway.  

Also included here is a video which was shot in November, 2014.  This video starts out by the San Felipe Arches and includes clips of footage to you to Mexicali.  In Mexicali, there are several tips in the video that guide you to the Calexico-East border crossing which is the newer of the two border crossings in Mexicali into the US.

TRAVEL TIPS:

1. As you enter Mexicali, looking our for the KenWorth dealership and make a right turn right after the dealership.
2. On Avenida Calzada Abelardo L Rodriguez, obey the speed limits as cops are know to give tickets here
3. On Avenida Calzada Abelardo L Rodriguez stay on the left lane.
4. As you turn into the line leading to the border, be sure to get into the right lange.  There are three lanes:
        i.   Lane 1: Sentri Pass holders
        ii.  Lane 2: Ready Lane
       iii.  Lane 3: All others.