Nation’s Busiest Border Crossing To Close 8 Lanes Monday

The number of northbound lanes at the nation's busiest border crossing will be significantly reduced starting next week. 

The closure is part of ongoing construction at the San Ysidro Port of Entry.

Starting Monday, eight of the 24 lanes will be closed for drivers heading into the U.S. from Mexico.

But port officials said the lane closures won't affect traffic or border wait times since they're adding two inspection booths per lane. Currently there is only per lane.

Oscar Preciado, Project Director at the San Ysidro Port of Entry said the closure could last for months.

"We'll be closing lanes 17 to 24 lanes, possibly until the early fall. At that time we'll be rebuilding those eight lanes with stacked booths" said Preciado.

The construction is all part of a $557 million expansion project designed to reduce border wait times from two hours to about 30 minutes.

The project is scheduled to be completed in 2014.