Local

Road closures announced in Ballantyne for DNC

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — People in Ballantyne may have hoped they wouldn't have traffic headaches because of the DNC, but they may be out of luck.

Officials said part of Ballantyne Commons Parkway will be closed for five days in one direction and completely closed for the last two days of the convention and part of Friday.

Starting Monday at 9 a.m. during the week of the convention, you won't be able to drive westbound on Ballantyne Commons Parkway from Community House Road to Johnston Road, and you won't be able to drive east on Ballantyne Corporate Place from Brixham Hill Drive to Ballantyne Commons Parkway.

Starting on Wednesday at 9 a.m., they will be closing down that stretch of Ballantyne Commons Parkway completely. It will stay closed until Friday at noon.

The closings would appear to form a security ring around the Ballantyne Resort, which looks to be right in the middle of that secure zone, leading to speculation that President Obama could be staying at the Ballantyne Resort after his acceptance speech Thursday night.

The hotel isn't commenting on its guest list, but drivers in the area are already sharing their frustration.

“It has to be done. They have to do what they have to do, so we have to figure out from my end to find an alternate route," said Sergio Huerta, who lives right around the corner.

A police spokesman will only confirm that a visiting dignitary will be staying in the area.