Advancing Border Connectivity

The Advancing Border Connectivity project will focus on the South Bay and US-Mexico Border region, including the State Route (SR) 11/Otay Mesa East Port of Entry (OME POE) and the Border Mobility Hub. The Next Operating System (OS) concepts will include the design and implementation of the Regional Border Management System (RBMS) for the new port of entry and connected vehicle technologies through the deployment of a Smart Intersection System (SIS) within the Mobility Hubs and corridors that connect them. The project deploys technologies that will make it safe and easy for people and goods to travel to, from, and around the border region. The partnership includes SANDAG, Caltrans, the cities of San Diego, Chula Vista, National City, the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), the Port of San Diego, and private sector partners, including Kimley-Horn and Associates and Parsons Transportation Group.

Regional Border Management System (RBMS)

A RBMS will be a new system to integrate functions such as dynamic lane management, traveler information, border wait time estimation, and dynamic tolling. The RBMS is part of the larger regional priority project, the SR 11/OME POE project, and will serve as the transportation-management tool for crossborder travel, helping to:

  • Improve border travel and wait time
  • Improve border traffic incident management and system resiliency
  • Improve border traveler information notifications
  • Provide a more efficient border network via a tolled approach that will alleviate congestion and enable safe, predictable, and reliable border crossings

Smart Intersection System (SIS)

SIS are traffic signals along select corridors within the South Bay communities that will be upgraded with connected vehicle roadside equipment. Buses and fleet vehicles will have onboard units to enable communication between vehicles and infrastructure to:

  • Improve mobility
  • Decrease congestion
  • Provide transit signal priority treatments
  • Provide system-wide intersection-level situational awareness to include the location of transit, pedestrians, and bicyclists to reduce intersection conflicts and improve safety

Mobility Hub (MoHub) Planned Amenities

  • Real-time trip planning tools, curb management, electric vehicle infrastructure, and Flexible Fleet services that connect to transit will be deployed within South Bay communities to:
  • Enhance regional mobility and equity
  • Improve transit access and connectivity
  • Improve the travel planning and booking experience for users while ensuring accessibility for senior, disabled, and low-income populations
  • Help to manage curb space for pick-ups and drop offs, commercial uses, and goods services deliveries

This material is based upon work supported by the Federal Highway Administration under Agreement No. - 693JJ32150005. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the Author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the Federal Highway Administration

Anticipated Schedule

Phase 1: System Engineering & Design, to be complete by winter 2023
Phase 2: Concept Deployment, to be complete by fall 2023
Phase 3: Concept Integration & Operations, to be complete by summer 2024