Calexico West Land Port lane closures begin Monday

The U.S General Services Administration announced that they will be temporarily closing two southbound lanes at the Calexico West Land Port of Entry.

We caught up with a county supervisor and traffic control to talk about how they plan on handling the closure.

“It’s unfortunate but necessary; GSA is having to close down two southbound lanes as you cross the railroad tracks going into Mexico. You’re still in the united states, 200 feet from the railroad tracks there’s a big white canopy, that’s where the lanes will be reduced from three to one starting Monday,” said John Renison, Supervisor of Imperial County, District 1.

The closer starts Monday but can last up to six months long with the completion date scheduled on June 10th, 2017.

We asked traffic control how they plan on easing the frustration of drivers waiting cross.

“The people that are traveling to Mexicali, it’s going to take a while for them. So I suggest for you, you can go to the new port of entry,” said Myra Soto

The new port of entry also known as the East Port of Entry is located just seven miles from Calexico.

Officials are suggesting drivers use that route as an option to ease congestion.

“We have asked for a special meeting with the administrator of Mexican customs, and I’m trying to spearhead that and we will include the City of Calexico, we will include the chamber of commerce and two supervisors from Imperial County. And I think that if we all go in unison and work together, that’s the way it needs to get done,” explained Renison.

The special meeting is set to take place Monday, the day the closure and traffic nightmare begins.

“We’re trying to make it as easy as possible on people that are commuting because it’s just going to be really a traffic nightmare. There is a possibility it could be done sooner. In my opinion, it will be probably done sooner but we’d hate to say yes and then it not be that way.”