Nassau County police are warning drivers to anticipate road closures in the area surrounding Hofstra University on Tuesday, when increased security will be in effect for the debates between President Barack Obama and Republican challenger Gov. Mitt Romney.
Earl Ovington Boulevard will be closed to all traffic between Hempstead Turnpike and Charles Lindberg Boulevard from 6 a.m. until midnight. No commercial traffic will be allowed on Hempstead Turnpike between Oak Street and Merrick Ave between 6 a.m. and midnight.
Westbound commercial traffic will be diverted at Merrick Avenue and Hempstead Turnpike and eastbound commercial traffic will be diverted at Oak Street and Hempstead Turnpike.
All lanes of Hempstead Turnpike will remain open to passenger vehicles. But drivers should expect periodic delays on Hempstead Turnpike in the vicinity due to intermittent road closings throughout the day, especially near Hofstra’s main entrance and Nassau Coliseum.
Because of the highest level of security surrounding the event, NICE bus riders traveling in the area also may experience major delays and should plan accordingly.
Nassau police and the Secret Service will lock down the area surrounding Hofstra in phases beginning at 5 a.m. and continuing through approximately 11 p.m.
Because of the high level of security, NICE bus will not know specifics about closures until just prior to the shut down.
The affected bus routes are the n16, n23, n24, n27, n43, n45, n51, n70/71 and Able Ride.
Bus stops in the lock-down areas will not be serviced at those times, and security demands that specific information regarding service suspension cannot be made available in advance. Able Ride passengers that may be affected will be contacted directly.