Presidential Visit Shuts Down Several Downtown Roads

As the President makes his way to the metro Wednesday night, extra security measures will be put in place.

For security reasons police aren't able to say what roads and exits will be closed, how long they'll be closed, or when the closures will start.

Street-side parking from Classen to Joe Carter Ave. is blocked off; an unexpected, and unwelcomed site for many businesses along Sheridan.

“When we got here to open up for breakfast all our parking where people parked to come in and pick up breakfast on the go was all blocked off,” said Kenny Harris with Caeli’s.

Caeli's Sweets Eats & Bar opened about five months ago and relies on street parking to bring customers in. The owner blames these bright orange cones and no parking signs for their empty tables Wednesday.

“Everything is private parking for businesses during the day. All the street parking is all that people have access to. Really no parking exists around here for us,” he said.

Police say the parking changes are only part of the elaborate security plan for the next 48 hours during President Obama's stay.

“It's going to be a little more extensive than what you are seeing now. Again very complex. It all deals with his schedule and where he has to be,” said Capt. Paco Balderrama, Oklahoma City Police spokesperson.

President Obama's security plan was created by federal agencies several weeks ago and local agencies will be in place to assist. But to make up for the lack of parking, Caeli's welcome's the President to stop by.

“Maybe he'll buy a bunch of cupcakes to make up for the business we lost today,” said Harris.

These road closures will continue through Thursday. Keep this in mind if you work downtown.

On Thursday President Obama will visit the Federal Correctional Institution in El Reno marking the first visit by a sitting President to a federal prison.