5-06-2023 1:31pm

Road closures scheduled for Weekend Cinco De Mayo Celebration

Anita Johnson-Brown Editor

On Thursday, Caltrans announced plans to close several highway off-ramps leading into downtown San Jose for long periods of time on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night. A news release from the agency stated the measures were taken to ensure traffic control and public safety during Cinco De Mayo-related activities in the area. Caltrans has not named which events were being accommodated; a spokesman has yet to comment on the extended closures.

Citizens living in the area of King Road corridor between McKee Road and Tully Road, and Story Road and Jackson Road residents. They are expecting large crowds in the vicinity on certain days, leading to expected delays in traffic as well as pedestrian movement. Residents should plan their trips accordingly.

San Jose police have issued an advisory to all downtown areas in order to prevent the possibility of gridlock and reduce the probability of disturbances escalating into violence, the department stated that it will be instituting random traffic diversions should such a situation arise during Cinco de Mayo celebrations. Additionally, police will offer additional resources in response to sideshow activity. Individuals who choose to take part in these activities can face fines up to $1,000 (spectators) and over $4,000 (drivers), as well as a 30-day vehicle impound penalty.

The highway closures are planned to happen from Friday evening at 7:00 p.m. until Saturday morning at 2:00 a.m., as well as from Saturday afternoon at 4:00 p.m. until Sunday morning at 2:00 a.m., and finally, from Sunday afternoon at 4:00 p.m. until Monday morning at 2:00 a.m..

By Anita Johnson-Brown