SR-11 and Otay Mesa East
Port of Entry
Client:
SANDAG and Caltrans
Advancing a Modern Cross-Border Transportation Corridor
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Supporting SANDAG and Caltrans, our agency implemented communications and public outreach for the more than $1 billion expansion of State Route 11 (SR-11) and development of the Otay Mesa East Port of Entry. The new port of entry will use dynamic tolling to reduce border wait times and greenhouse gas emissions.
Results
$1B+
infrastructure investment
2
Binational MOU signing events
6+
milestone events and engagements
The Challenge
Coordinating a Complex, Cross-Border Infrastructure Project
The SR-11 and Otay Mesa East Port of Entry project required coordination across multiple partner agencies while managing fluid international relationships with diplomacy. The project also presented significant challenges related to complex messaging, as technical details, cross-border considerations and evolving milestones needed to be communicated clearly and consistently. The team needed an approach that could support transparency and maintain trust while keeping stakeholders informed as the project advanced.
The Approach
Integrated Communications and Public Outreach
We implemented an integrated communications and public outreach strategy to engage partner agencies, stakeholders and the broader community. The team developed clear and accessible print and digital materials including fact sheets, postcards, e-blasts and social media content to share timely project updates.
Working closely with SANDAG and Caltrans, our agency informed and engaged elected officials, residents, businesses, community organizations and property owners as key developments unfolded. The team also planned and executed major milestone events, including the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the State of California and Mexico and the Otay Mesa East Development Summit. The summit was moderated by California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis and featured attendees including U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar, Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda and other local, state and federal leaders.
The Results
Sustained Visibility and Multi-Agency Alignment
The communications and outreach effort supported consistent information sharing across agencies and stakeholders throughout the project’s development. Milestone events convened local, state, federal and international leaders to highlight progress and reinforce regional and cross-border collaboration. The agency will continue to manage outreach efforts and plan milestone events through design and construction of the new port of entry, expected to open in 2026.
Editor’s note: this work was performed by Southwest Strategies, now Bodewell Group.
