Traffic issues expected uptown during Obama visit

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Traffic tie-ups can be expected around uptown on Tuesday when President Barack Obama pays a visit to the Charlotte Convention Center during the American Legion convention.
 
The president will speak to the American Legion National Convention Tuesday.

GUIDE: Obama to speak uptown; road closures expected
 
Thousands of Legion members have been in town since last week and on Tuesday, police and Secret Service agents will be added to the mix as they coordinate his trip in and out of town.
 
"We will only block traffic if we absolutely have to," said Maj. Jeff Estes of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.
 
Estes said the city will try to keep traffic disruptions as brief as possible but admits there are likely to be delays around the convention center during the lunch hour when the president is expected to arrive.
 
"We have plans in place," Estes said, "But we know plans can change so they (drivers) can just expect general, but localized delays." 
 
For security reasons the president's exact route to and from the airport isn't released publicly.
 
Police said drivers can expect some delays on streets with direct access to the convention center.
 
All issues related to the president's visit should be cleared well before afternoon rush hour.

WSOC