President Biden's Visit to Austin Leads to Road Closures and Increased Travel Delays

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
29/07/2024 20h36

President Joe Biden is set to visit Austin on Monday, August 16, for a speech at the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library. Originally scheduled for July 15, the visit was postponed after the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. As with previous presidential visits, Biden's trip will result in widespread road closures throughout the city.

The Texas Department of Transportation has confirmed that there will be "rolling closures on major roadways," including Interstate 35 and Texas 71, during the president's visit. The exact route of his motorcade has not been made public by the Austin Police Department. However, based on past presidential visits, it is expected that Biden will travel from the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to the LBJ Library via I-35 North and Dean Keaton Street.

Alternatively, the presidential motorcade may take U.S. 183, connecting to Airport Boulevard and Manor Road. However, due to logistical complications, this route is less likely to be chosen. Manor Road and Red River Street, in the vicinity of the LBJ Library, are anticipated to have partial road closures. The library has not released any official details regarding the visit.

Travelers using the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport on Monday afternoon are advised to anticipate 15- to 30-minute travel delays. The airport has issued this advisory due to increased traffic as a result of President Biden's visit.

During his visit, President Biden will deliver a speech commemorating the 60th anniversary of Lyndon B. Johnson's signing of the Civil Rights Act. Although the event is not open to the public, the speech will be livestreamed on YouTube starting around 3 p.m.

Austin has been a frequent destination for presidents and vice presidents in the past decade. President Biden himself visited the city as vice president in 2013. Former President Barack Obama also made multiple trips to Austin during his term, expressing support and campaigning for Biden. Former President Trump also visited the city on several occasions to meet with long-time supporters, including Lt. Governor Dan Patrick.

As Austin prepares for President Biden's visit, residents and motorists should remain vigilant and prepared for potential disruptions due to road closures and increased traffic throughout the city.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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