Obama event expected to disrupt traffic today

Clark County residents were urged to avoid Home Road and North Limestone Street Friday morning while President Barack Obama visits Springfield High School to rally supporters in the final days leading up to Tuesday’s election.

Traffic will likely be heavy between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m in those areas, said Clark County Sheriff Gene Kelly.

Hundreds of tickets have been distributed to the event, which is scheduled to take place shortly before 1 p.m. No more tickets are available for the event at the high school, 701 E. Home Road. Doors to the gymnasium, where the rally will take place, are scheduled to open at 10:15 a.m.

Residents who attend the event should expect to pass through security, Kelly said, and he suggested residents not carry anything they would not bring to an airport. He also suggested visitors be prepared to stand for a long period of time if necessary.

“Just prepare for that,” Kelly said. “Come with a good pair of shoes because you might be standing for a while.”

The rally will have little impact on students at the high school, said Chris Shaffer, campus director for Springfield City Schools.

Tickets were distributed to about 500 students and staff members, and he said the Secret Service has helped make sure any impact on students will be minimal. He said there will be fewer students in the halls than normal during the rally, but most classes will not be affected. The rally also should not impact parents as they are dropping off their students at school or picking them up in the afternoon.

The rally will be historic because it will be the first time a president has visited the school district while in office.

“The world’s spotlight is shining on Springfield, and it’s shining on our high school,” Shaffer said.

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