President Joe Biden is scheduled to visit Austin on Monday for a speech at the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library. Biden’s visit, originally scheduled for July 15, was postponed following the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.
As with previous presidential visits, Biden’s trip will lead to widespread road closures across the city. The Texas Department of Transportation confirmed there will be “continuous closures on major highways,” including I-35 and SH 71, during the visit.
Live Updates: President Joe Biden visits the LBJ Library in Austin to commemorate the Civil Rights Act
While the Austin Police Department has not made the president’s exact route publicly available, Austinites should be prepared for a few potential scenarios based on past presidential visits to the city:
Roads closed from Austin Airport to LBJ Library
Biden is expected to land in Austin around 2:30 pm Monday and drive from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to the LBJ Library. Typically, the quickest route between the airport and the library is via I-35 North to Dean Keaton Street, the same route former Presidents Trump and Obama took when they visited the city.
Otherwise, the President can take State Highway 183, connect with Airport Boulevard and go straight to Manor Road.
Exiting Highway 183 at East 7th is another route to the library, although the President is unlikely to opt for that route considering the complications of closing several city streets.
Manor Road and Red River Street, both in the vicinity of the LBJ Library, will likely see at least partial road closures, although the library was unable to confirm any logistics regarding President Biden’s visit.
Delays at Austin Airport are also expected
In addition to road closures and increased traffic, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport warned travelers that those traveling on Monday afternoon should expect travel delays of 15 to 30 minutes.
What will Biden do during his visit?
Biden will deliver a speech commemorating Lyndon B. Johnson’s signing of the Civil Rights Act 60 years ago. Although the event will be closed to the public, the speech will be broadcast live on YouTube starting around 3pm
More: President Biden will speak at the LBJ Library in Austin on Monday: How to watch the live stream
Previous presidential visits
Austin has hosted several presidents and vice presidents for appearances over the past decade, including a visit from Joe Biden when he was acting vice president in 2013.
Former President Obama made several trips to Austin while serving in executive office and has since returned to express support and support for President Biden. President Trump has made several visits to the city to meet with longtime Texas supporters such as Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick.
This article originally appeared in the Austin American-Statesman: Road closures and delays expected during Biden’s visit to Austin on Monday
