Authorities on US side discuss security, traffic control

about tomorrow’s papal visit is how many people will be crossing the border at the international bridges. abc-seven’s complete coverage continues … with reporter darren hunt … darren. rick and estela, it’s a difficult thing to predict … with nothing really to compare to a pope’s visit having happened along the border before. but customs and border protection says it is doing everything it can at this point to over-prepare for this massive event. “this has been a monumental tas for us.” the leaders of at least a dozen law enforcement agencies were on hand at city hall to talk about their security roles for the pope’s visit. the last thing we need is a lone wolf or anyone who has ill intent on harming the pope, whether in mexico itself or from the u-s side.” police chief greg allen may be the most worried … but customs and border protection, in charge of the bridges, is a close second. “really isn’t anything to compare it to is there?” “no, there isn’t … land borders are unique in that we don’t know you’re coming until you get there, so we’ve got to be prepared and that’s what we’ve done.” “i imagine the biggest concer here is the unknown, just not knowing how many people?” “yes, and for that reason we’ rather overprepare.” all lane at all bridges are expected to be fully staffed. “here along the border highway, just across from el punto where the pope will deliver his mass, there are cleanup crews busy cleaning up the area … they’ve also installed this temporary fencing … chief gregg allen said it will take the concerted effort of all el pasoans … authorities say if you see something, say something.” “as always we need the public’s help in spotting terrrorism or other types of acts that would harm people … and that’s what we’ve been planning for and trying to take advantage of our partnerships to be able to plan for it.” if you see something suspicious, you are urged to find the closest person in uniform and let them know … if no one is around, you can call 9-1 or contact the f-b-i at 832-five thousand. rick and estela. at a city of el paso enws conference today… we were updated on several streets closed or severely restricted… like i-10! the off ramps on i-10 from executive center on the west side to geronimo in central will be closed! the downtown street closures include major parts of segundo barrio. and central downtown streets like santa fe and campbell are also limited. the border highway will be shut down from santa fe to us- 54 starting at 3 am tomorrow for about 24 hours… it’ll also be closed from u.s. 54 to yarbrough starting at 10 a-m tomorrow until the pope leaves juarez. other streets will also close because of the view they have to mexico. tom lea park on rim road and all of scenic drive will be closed off to vehicles — but not to pedestrians. the city is reserving that space for the media. it loioks like we’re in for great weather for tomorrow’s events. chief meteorologist “doppler” dave h your first forecast. dave?