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Westside Gridlock Alert: Obama's Visit Thursday Will Lock Up Surface Streets

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Things are Traffic is gonna get "heavy" tomorrow when President Obama spends some time on the west side of Los Angeles for a fundraising event. Details of the President's precise schedule, including what roads will be blocked off, have not been released, according to LA Now, however word has it "much of the president's travels in L.A. will be done on surface streets."

We know that Obama plans to attend a public fundraising event--his first in L.A. since kicking off his 2012 re-election campaign--at Sony Studios in Culver City, and has plans to dine at Tavern in Brentwood (good choice, sir!). We also know that wherever he goes, some serious gridlock will follow...and precede, since streets begin to shut down in advance of the motorcade's arrival.

Total Traffic LA has been on the lookout for official word about street closures and transit changes, but have not received confirmation of any given route. "At this point, we suspect anything west of Robertson and Jefferson and everything east of Bundy is liable to be closed at any time, including portions of the 405 and 10 freeways. This may send ripple effects through all streets on the Westside," they explain. Streets like Overland, Washington, Culver Blvd, Wilshire, San Vicente, and Barrington are among those at the top of the list for which will most likely be affected.

On a prior visit to Los Angeles, too few details about street closures were made available ahead of time, forcing motorists, transit users, and residentsinto some serious gridlock, aka "Obama Traffic Hell." To lessen the negative impact on traffic, Obama used a helicopter for transport on his last visit to Los Angeles.

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