Local Democrat party leaders say President Obama’s campaign visit here tomorrow evening demonstrates Virginia’s importance as a key battleground state. As they prepare for the campaign rally, Mitt Romney supporters are planning their own nearby. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.

 

Street Closures and Parking Restrictions:

Starting Thursday morning, some downtown Roanoke streets will be closed for President Obama’s Friday grassroots campaign event. At 10:00 a.m., Church Avenue will close between Williamson Road and Jefferson Street. Market Square and Market Street will close to through traffic from Campbell Avenue to Church Avenue, but will stay open for vendors. The Market parking garage also closes at 10:00 morning and will remain entirely closed on Friday. All vehicles in the garage must be moved by 6:00 p.m. Thursday.

Then starting at noon Friday, Jefferson Street will close between Franklin Road and Campbell Avenue. At the same time, Kirk Avenue will close from Jefferson Street to Williamson Road. There also will be no street parking in either direction on Jefferson Street, from Franklin Road to Elm Avenue.

Everything will return to normal after the President’s event. That’s expected to be around 9:30 Friday night.