What to know about road closures, traffic delays during Donald Trump’s Charlotte visit

Roads around Charlotte’s airport and Bojangles Coliseum will close Wednesday in preparation for Former President Donald Trump’s arrival.

Police aren’t sharing which roads will be affected for security reasons, but said drivers can expect delays between noon and 10 p.m. around Bojangles Coliseum and delays near Charlotte Douglas Airport between 4 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

“CMPD and the Secret Service have a strong partnership and are working together to provide a safe experience for the former President and all attendees,” Charlotte police said in a statement.

The rally starts at 6 p.m. Parking opens at 8 a.m. and doors open at 2 p.m. Members of the public can request up to two tickets online.

Trump, who last visited Charlotte over Memorial Day weekend during the Coca-Cola 600, was gearing up for a rematch of the 2020 election he lost. He’s now poised to compete against Vice President Kamala Harris after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race Sunday. His speech Wednesday could offer a preview of his strategy against the new likely Democratic nominee.

North Carolina is considered a swing state in November. Polling data showed Trump holding a comfortable lead in the state, up about 7 points on Biden. It’s unclear how that could change with a new nominee.

Trump’s past visits to the Queen City backed up traffic for hours on Interstates 77 and 277, Billy Graham Parkway and Independence Boulevard. During previous rallies at the coliseum, police have closed Independence Boulevard between I-277 and Albemarle Road leading up to and after the events.

The Trump Organization’s Boeing 757, nicknamed “Trump Force One,” is expected to land early Wednesday evening.

Police advise it’s best to find another way to your destination in the immediate hours before and after Trump’s speech.