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05/07/2012 07:16 PM

Capital Region residents worry about traffic delays during Obama’s visit

By: Lori Chung

We all know President Obama's visit to Albany is creating a lot of excitement throughout the Capital Region, but it's also creating some anxiety among drivers who plan to be on the road Tuesday. YNN's Lori Chung reports.

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ALBANY, N.Y. -- It's only a five minute drive from Albany International Airport to the UAlbany's NanoComplex for President Obama. Nevertheless, Capital Region drivers are bracing themselves.

"I'm actually a little nervous for it, but I'll have to leave extra early in the morning," one person said.

Local law enforcement agencies have been working with the Secret Service to keep President Obama's travel details under wraps. UAlbany, though, sent out an alert that driving will be restricted near Empire Commons, with other parking lots also closed.

One section of Washington Avenue off Fuller Road is already pretty hairy with all the construction, but even though preparations are being kept under wraps, there are some sections of the city that you may want to avoid.

State Police say several roads will be closed between noon and 3 p.m. Tuesday, like I-90 between exits 24 and 4 will be closed in both directions, Washington Avenue extension from the exit 2 onramp to Crossgates Mall will be closed and Fuller Road from Great Dane Avenue to Railroad Avenue will be closed as well. But what about air travel?

"I called the airport and they said no problem there will be no delays, I'm not quite sure I believe that."

Albany International officials say there could be some delays, though short, when Air Force Once enters our airspace. And some congestion nearby also possible. That is unwelcome news to this family in the midst of an event planned for Tuesday and Wednesday.

"We have people coming in all day tomorrow and although I love President Obama, I hope he does not close down the airport."

But plans are fluid and more closures and detours are possible. So officials say the best plan is to be prepared for anything.