Tecate cargo port reopens Wednesday

Trucks hauling cargo between Mexico and the United States will be able to use the Tecate port of entry again as of 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials said Tuesday.

The port was shut down Oct. 21 and workers were evacuated when the Harris fire threatened it.

More than 300 cargo trucks are processed daily at the port. Its hours this week will be 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time. Cargo truck processing hours will return to the normal 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. hours Monday, after the United States returns to standard time. Mexico reverted to standard time last weekend, so there is an hour's time difference between the two countries this week.

Cargo trucks are required to use state Route 188 and eastbound state Route 94 when entering and exiting the United States at Tecate until roadways leading to the port are repaired, Customs and Border Protection officials said.

"Truck drivers are asked to drive with extreme caution and make turns slowly along eastbound state Route 94," Caltrans District Director Pedro Orso-Delgado said in a news release. "At this time commercial vehicles are only allowed to travel east on Route 94 and can access Interstate 8 on 94 or Buckman Springs Road."

Passenger and pedestrian access to the port was reopened Monday. Hours are 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. at the two-lane border facility.

The port facilities were not damaged in the fire.