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## Reopening of Puerta México No Longer a Priority: SEI
The reopening project for Puerta México, aimed at streamlining the border crossing from the United States to Tijuana, will only be considered as an emergency alternative, stated Kurt Honold Morales, head of the Secretariat of Economy and Innovation (SEI). This decision comes as the reconstruction of the El Chaparral bridge has been completed, significantly reducing wait times for entering the country.
## Puerta México Reopening Considered Only in Emergency Situations
Kurt Honold Morales emphasized that the reopening of Puerta México is no longer a priority due to the effective functioning of the newly reconstructed El Chaparral bridge. “There is no longer an urgency. Along with the governor of Baja California, we believe that maintaining an alternative access is crucial in case of an unforeseen incident, similar to the previous blockage of the bridge,” he explained.
Previously, the government of Tijuana had to close the El Chaparral bridge in January last year due to structural damages that linked the entrance to Mexico with the Zona Río and the Vía Rápida. This closure resulted in wait times of up to five hours for border crossing, until the bridge was reopened this past June after a year and five months.
Currently, crossing times are reportedly “fast” according to Honold Morales, making the immediate reopening of Puerta México unnecessary unless an incident disrupts the current access. “It’s better to utilize human resources where needed. When wait times start getting lengthy, or in case of an accident, having more access points becomes useful,” he added.
One incident on January 16 highlighted the necessity for alternate access when a red Jetta overturned, blocking entry to Tijuana after passing the El Chaparral border checkpoint, creating long queues.
### Future Plans and Technological Implementations
The secretary also mentioned that the Puerta México access would be equipped with all necessary technology and personnel to operate it if needed. The project is currently in a “bureaucratic process” and will be executed by the National Customs Agency of Mexico (ANAM), with a commitment to complete adjustments by October, before the end of the current federal administration.
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