B.G., Toledo streets to be congested

9/26/2012

Police in Toledo and Bowling Green are warning motorists that there could be significant delays in northwest Ohio today because of visits by President Obama and Mitt Romney.

Bowling Green police said traffic on East Wooster Street, between Mercer and Campbell Hill, could be closed, delayed, or congested at any point between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Police said east and westbound traffic will be maintained for most of the day.

Bowling Green police Lt. Brad Biller said city police are acting in a supporting role to the Secret Service and Bowling Green State University police. The Wood County Sheriff's Office and Highway Patrol will also be on hand to assist with security for the President's stop at the university's Stroh Center.

BGSU Spokesman Dave Kielmeyer said the university includes a line item for security in its budget for the Stroh Center. The campaign paid $3,000 related to public safety. Campus police will be on duty as normal, but the Secret Service will take care of the security detail.

“We’ve been part of the discussion and we’re helping out where we can,” Mr. Kielmeyer said.

Anyone planning to attend Mitt Romney's late afternoon campaign event at the SeaGate Convention Centre in downtown Toledo should be prepared for congested streets.

Toledo police Sgt. Joe Heffernan said the Secret Service hasn't shared with the department Mr. Romney's route, so he could not suggest a route to avoid traffic, but said drivers should "be prepared for delays."

"It's kind of a wait-and-see thing," he said. "Unless you're planning on attending or wanting to be near the event for some reason, I would stay clear of the roadways in and around the event."