ATLANTA — As Atlanta prepares to welcome President Joe Biden and Republican nominee Donald Trump for their debate on CNN Thursday, a few key traffic details are being released earlier so drivers are aware.
Georgia Tech announced that the debate, along with several other major events happening near campus, will result in increased police presence and traffic disruptions.
According to a release, drivers can expect to see impacts as soon as Tuesday.
Residents who are already preparing for the traffic believe "it's going to be a disaster."
"I'm sure it's gonna get really crazy," Alec Zychowicz, a resident, said. "Atlanta traffic is already pretty bad. So, going to stock up on stuff prior and just stay inside, hopefully."
Presidential Debate Impact
CNN will host the debate on Techwood Drive on Thursday at the Warner Media campus. Two road closures will start on Wednesday and last until midnight on Thursday.
- 10th Street from State Street to Spring Street
- Fowler Street from Sixth to 10th Street
In addition, Georgia Tech announced that traffic will be diverted from the intersection of 10th and State to 14th Street. However, pedestrians can still pass through from the west side of 10th Street up to Holly Street.
Georgia Tech also alerted drivers that rolling roadblocks will likely affect the flow of traffic on I-75/85 on Thursday evening.
Bus Service on Tech's Campus
Due to the road closures, the university said the Green and Emory routes of the Stinger bus system will be detoured on Thursday as well. Passengers can expect delays on all bus routes. For up-to-date transit alerts, please visit the Stinger Website. The university also noted that the time and location of the road closures are subject to change.
The following Green Route Stops will not be serviced on Thursday, June 27.
- 14th St. & State St.
- Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) Conference Center
- 10th and Fowler St.
- Graduate Living Center
Other events happening this week
University officials also noted that the Campus Recreation Center (CRC) will host the Atlanta Swim Association Swim Meet June 26 – 28 at the McAuley Aquatic Center.
As a result, the CRC Parking Deck (W10) will be closed to permit holders. Drivers should expect extra traffic in the area and increased foot traffic in the CRC. For more information, visit the meet webpage. For adjusted recreational swimming hours, visit the aquatics hours webpage.
Just south of campus, Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host the CONMEBOL Copa América USA 2024, with a match between the U.S. and Panama on Thursday, June 27. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.
"With the president and ex-president coming on in and then, like you said, Copa, no one's going to be able to leave at all," Kempton said. "They should have put more thought into the traffic patterns before inviting everyone in the world here."
Georgia Tech also said drivers should anticipate additional traffic around the John Lewis Student Center due to FASET orientation sessions.
