President Biden’s Visit to Austin: Road Closures & Delays Expected
Rolling Road Closures and Airport Delays
The impending visit of President Joe Biden to Austin on Monday will result in rolling road closures and potential delays at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. The President is scheduled to deliver a speech at the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library.
The Texas Department of Transportation has confirmed “rolling closures on major roadways,” on Interstate 35 and Texas 71 during the visit. While the Austin Police Department has not released the exact route of the presidential motorcade, experiences from past visits have prepared Austinites for the possibilities.
Ideal Routes and Road Closures
Upon an anticipated landing at 2:30 PM, the presidential motorcade is expected to utilize the route that former presidents Trump and Obama used, that is, I-35 North to Dean Keaton Street. Alternative routes could include U.S. 183, connecting to Airport Boulevard and directly to Manor Road. However, it is less likely since it would require multiple street shutdowns within the city.
Expect partial road closures around Manor Road and Red River Street, in the immediate vicinity of the Presidential Library.
Anticipated Delays at the Austin Airport
The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport has advised travelers to anticipate delays extending 15 to 30 minutes on Monday afternoon.
Details of President Biden’s Visit
President Biden will honor the 60th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act signed by Lyndon B. Johnson. While the main event is closed to the public, the speech will stream live on YouTube from 3 PM.
Presidential Visits to Austin
Austin has been the destination for numerous presidential visits, including Biden himself in 2013 while serving as vice president. Former President Obama also made several trips to Austin during his administration and has continued to express support in post-presidential visits. President Trump also frequented the city to meet with long-time supporters.