County Judge Considers Closing Courthouse during Papal Visit

Pope Francis' historic visit to our area has already resulted in the one-day closure of several school districts, as well as the University of Texas-El Paso.

Will the county courthouse follow suite?

ABC7 has learned that El Paso County Judge Veronica Escobar is considering closing all county courts, annexes and services on February 17, the day of the papal visit. She told the TV station public access to the courthouse will be the main factor influencing her decision.

The County Judge plans to meet with EPPD Chief Greg Allen regarding which Downtown streets police intend to close before arriving at a final decision.

As it is, getting to the courthouse is already a bit of a hassle because of the Kansas Street construction currently underway. Plans to shut down a portion of the Border Highway from U.S. 54 to Santa Fe Street  for a number of hours on the day of the pope's arrival won't make it any easier.

Escobar expects to make the call no later than the end of next week.