Gateway Monument at U.S.-Mexico Calexico Port of Entry

The Project was Funded by Governor Newsom’s Clean California Initiative

Caltrans unveiled a new “Welcome to California/Imperial Valley” monument at the State Route 7 connection with Nina Lee Road near the U.S.-Mexico border. The $1.9 million Calexico International Gateway monument is one of two projects in Imperial County that are funded by Governor Gavin Newsom’s landmark $1.2 billion Clean California initiative, a multi-year effort led by Caltrans to remove millions of pounds of trash from our roadways, create thousands of jobs, and, by engaging communities throughout the state, help generate a cultural shift that recognizes our shared responsibility for public spaces. 

At the ceremony in Calexico, Imperial County Supervisor Jesus Escobar, Imperial County Transportation Commission Executive Director David Aguirre, Calexico Mayor Raul Urena, and staff from the offices of State Senator Stephen Padilla, Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia, and Congressman Raul Ruiz joined Caltrans District 11 Trade Corridor Director Nikki Tiongco to celebrate the project’s completion.

“California and Mexico share a special relationship, and it’s an honor for Caltrans to have brought Governor Newsom’s vision of beautifying our binational region and connecting the communities of our two countries,” said Caltrans District 11 Director Gustavo Dallarda. “From this day on, visitors entering California through Calexico will be welcomed by a monument that reflects the unique character and pride of the Imperial Valley.”

“Our border community’s shared culture and economy greatly enhance our Imperial Valley. As visitors and daily commuters are welcomed to California, this monument will stand as a testament to our region’s strong ties of binational cooperation,” said Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia. “We celebrate these binational partnerships and celebrate this project.”

“The County of Imperial is appreciative of the investments and work by our Governor and Caltrans to beautify and showcase our unique border region,” said Jesus Eduardo Escobar, Imperial County Board of Supervisors, District 1. “This monument and surrounding efforts symbolize our connection and progress as we work collectively to build a stronger, beautiful, and more resilient binational border community.”

“The gateway sign is a fantastic way to welcome our neighbors from Mexico to our wonderful state. In addition, the new gateway sign demonstrates the power of innovative funding opportunities within the State of California,” said Imperial County Transportation Commission Executive Director David Aguirre. “The State continues to showcase its continued investment into communities like the Imperial Valley.”

The other Clean California project in Imperial County is the $3.8 million Imperial County Community Improvements Project, which will install bus stop shelters in Holtville, Brawley, and Calipatria and enhance roadway medians and pedestrian safety improvements in El Centro along State Route 86. The project is expected to be completed in 2024.