As 98charlie stated, the gates are opened at the start of monsoon season (around the 4th of July), and closed at the end (around Labor Day).
These new double swing gates in the riverbed are particularly large - like you drive a truck through them. Whole trees might just pass through.
It will be interesting to see how this new design performs, but the improved road, improved clearance and that bridge will will make it easier to patrol. I believe they are getting grid powered lights, so all manner of technology could be powered as well.
Advantage, Border Patrol.
Looks like something new.
Thank you for that explanation...I am curious...when they say opened manually, do they mean simply that the mechanism would be engaged locally rather than remotely, or what?