(UPDATE 7:00PM): We have heard from several unofficial sources that Blvd. Kino will still remain open for Sentri users along with the new Calle Segunda entry, making both entries available for users. We should be able to confirm this information tomorrow with authorities.
Starting mid-November, SENTRI traffic moves to Calle Segunda under a four-month pilot to unclog the world’s busiest border.
If you’ve ever crossed back into USA on a Sunday night, you know the smell of despair — exhaust fumes mixed with cheap coffee. We at Gringo Gazette North know it too. Many of our readers — and yes, our reporters — have survived those endless lines crawling toward San Ysidro, trapped somewhere between Spotify playlists and lost patience. You’ve probably seen our Instagram stories from those traffic purgatories, headlights melting into infinity.
That’s why this time, we’re cautiously hopeful. Maybe, just maybe, this new border plan will save us all a few hours — or at least a few nerves.
What’s changing
Starting mid-November 2025, the City of Tijuana will reroute SENTRI vehicles through Calle Segunda and move All Traffic to Paseo de los Héroes. Officials describe it as a four-month pilot project designed to untangle congestion at the world’s busiest border crossing. If it works, the setup may become permanent by spring.
The plan’s goal is simple: reduce the massive queues clogging Padre Kino and Vía Rápida, where traffic can stretch all the way to Lázaro Cárdenas High School.
Interactive map detailing current and new Sentri routes. Current Sentri route shown in red, new one shown in green.
Why now
According to Pedro Montejo Peterson, Tijuana’s Secretary of Economic Development, the data made the decision obvious. “Four times more vehicles use SENTRI than general lanes,” he explained. “So we flipped the layout to match demand.”
It’s a rare case of logic in government form. The move also reflects months of coordination with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), whose staffing levels often determine real-world wait times.
Years in the making
This change didn’t appear overnight. Since 2024, city engineers and border task forces have studied lane flow, traffic density, and the impact on local businesses. For years, SENTRI lanes were limited to Padre Kino, even though demand ballooned. Now, after two studies and multiple consultations, the city finally pressed “go.”
Local business leaders support the effort. “Every minute lost in line is money lost for both sides of the border,” said a member of Tijuana’s Chamber of Commerce. With over 70,000 vehicles crossing daily, improving flow isn’t just about convenience — it’s about keeping the region’s economy breathing.
What people are saying
Regional outlets like Telemundo 20, SanDiegoRed, and Uniradio Baja confirmed the timeline and route changes. The reaction? Mostly relief — with a healthy dose of skepticism. Drivers welcome any solution, but they’ve heard promises before. For now, the plan’s success depends on clear signage, driver cooperation, and a touch of border magic.
What it means for crossers
Here at Gringo Gazette North, we’ve lived those epic waits ourselves. Our team has spent hours inching forward with only podcasts and sarcasm for company. So we’ll be watching closely to see if Calle Segunda becomes the miracle lane we’ve all been praying for.
For SENTRI users, the change could save precious minutes heading north. For “All Traffic” drivers, the hope is less chaos — and fewer wrong turns. Still, expect a learning curve as everyone adjusts to the new route.
City officials promise daily monitoring during the pilot phase. Adjustments will be made as needed, and by early next year, Tijuana will decide whether to make the move permanent.
A cautious optimism
No one expects miracles overnight, but this is the most promising attempt in years to restore flow to San Ysidro. If the experiment works, it could mark a rare moment where border bureaucracy bends to common sense.
And if it doesn’t? Well, you’ll probably see us back in line — phones out, documenting every inch of progress (or lack thereof) for your reading pleasure.
















