SAN LUIS, AZ (AZFamily) \u2014 The San Luis Port of Entry\u2014one of the busiest border crossings in the United States\u2014has officially opened new northbound lanes aimed at easing traffic into Arizona from Mexico.<\/p>\n
For now, the expansion is in a testing phase. Only eight of the 16 newly built lanes opened Monday, with officials monitoring how traffic flows and whether the changes create any safety issues or disruptions in the surrounding community.<\/p>\n
\u201cTemporarily, they are doing the testing phase just to make sure that the traffic is flowing right, and that it is not causing any accidents or any further disruption in the community,\u201d one person said.<\/p>\n
But nearby businesses and frequent travelers say they haven\u2019t seen major improvements yet.<\/p>\n
Several business owners told us this week has been slow, blaming ongoing construction and changes to access routes. One vendor said construction has pushed traffic away from their side of the area, forcing customers to take longer routes to reach the port of entry.<\/p>\n
Regina Flores, who sells perfume at French Perfumes, said construction has hurt business\u2014but she believes the project will pay off once all lanes are open.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, it\u2019s going to help us because they are opening more lanes,\u201d Flores said. \u201cTherefore, people are going to want to buy here in the United States, there is going to be less waiting at the lanes.\u201d<\/p>\n
Not every business is feeling the impact the same way. Some owners say they\u2019re already optimistic, believing the additional lanes will make it easier for customers from Mexico to cross and shop in the U.S.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople are able to get out of Mexico faster,\u201d another business owner said, adding that reduced traffic could encourage more shoppers to make the trip.<\/p>\n
Pedestrians, however, say construction has created new challenges. Jose Gonzalez, a high school student, said people crossing on foot now have to walk farther\u2014often in extreme heat\u2014making mornings more difficult.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen we have to cross from Mexico to the U.S., longer walks now, so it\u2019s just more difficult,\u201d Gonzalez said. \u201cIn the mornings, I get late to school because of that. It\u2019s pretty rough.\u201d<\/p>\n
About three million personal vehicles cross through the San Luis Port of Entry each year. All 16 lanes are expected to be open by spring 2029.<\/p>\n
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