Carmegeddon At The Border Starts Saturday

It's Thursday, September 21. Our top story, this is not the weekend to drive from San Diego into Baja, but it might be that we can't walk because of ongoing renovations at the San Ysidro border crossing, no car traffic will be allowed to cross South into Tijuana from early Saturday morning to Monday at noon. Southbound traffic will be diverted to the border crossing. The closure is being called Carmageddon, because of the expected large traffic tie up but one group is hoping to turn this into a positive. To me is Jason Wells, executive director of the San Ysidro Chamber of Commerce. How good a job which is a Caltrans is doing to get the word out about the closure?It's never easy. I think they are doing a pretty good job. I did notice the other day, pretty much from there I saw signs along the freeway saying there would be closures. We ask for at least a Lane to remain open, but it was negated.To know how southbound traffic is going to be diverted from the crossing to Tesco to as he said, all lanes will be diverted to take 905 E. He did take 905, or you can get on the 905 E., you can take buyer Boulevard. You have to get off the freeway and go through city streets.You are involved with letting people know that even though that border crossing is closed, the border crossing remains open to pedestrians.Yes, we don't use that Carmageddon where we are calling it us. Just to celebrate the pedestrian. We will be putting out music acts, food trucks, just to make a more festive ambience when you cross the border. As you said, going from north to south, we really suggest people go across, there's been so many changes in Tijuana. If you have a cross, walked to the revolution in 20 or 25 years, you'd be surprised at what you find.Many people were not used to using the pedestrian crossing, what tips can you give them?You can call on either side of the freeway and come on the same side. That's made it a lot easier. For this weekend, Park at Palm Avenue, Lloyd and Iris, Charlie is going to be on a 15 minute service not the half hour, trolley and, walk across, what I would suggest, really, happy new experience of the weekend, there is a crossing path to the arch at the revolution. Many things you will see that weren't there last time, I guarantee you. Even though we've added vehicle lanes, the reality is once that way took it down, more people will come, it's ongoing. It's unsustainable by vehicle. But by foot, you can take advantage of the lower wait times and really be able to increase your time.After this weekend closure, there will be fewer southbound lanes feeding into Mexico from Tran six. Are you concerned about the traffic congestion? To before the closure five lanes going south into 20 Mexican booths. After Monday, is going to be three, until the week of Thanksgiving. 24 after that. We went through five, 23, 24 so much worry, at the end of the day, you have the exit to chaparral, they limit down to two lanes. I don't expect us to increase wait times, inmate records, because the same amount of cards in three lanes looks longer than the same amount of cars and five lanes, but the actual time should not be increased due to the entrance. Again, these are growing pains. This is going to change lives for people crossing the border on a regular basis. It's something we've got to go through.A quick question about another issue, tells about the relief project that you're organizing for Mexican earthquake victims.Last night we received word that the Mexicans have streamlined the process of getting donations. For many years, nations into Mexico have been almost impossible. Streamlined that, with that happening, what we decided, is to use the chamber as a collection plate for those that may not feel comfortable sending money directly to Mexico which the most efficient way to help, but for those who want to send money, we can take donations now, and get them directly into Mexico.I've been speaking with Jason Wells, of the San Ysidro Chamber of Commerce. Thank you very much.