New York

Traffic Advisories Issued for Presidential Debate at Hofstra University

What to Know

  • The Sept. 26 debate is being moved to Hofstra in Hempstead
  • Original host pulled out, citing costs

Drivers near Hofstra University in Hempstead should brace for road closures and traffic later this month when Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump have their first presidential debate.

The presidential debate -- the first of three -- is taking place on Monday, Sept. 26.

Police have announced the following road closures:

From 5 a.m. until midnight on Monday, Sept. 26, Charles Lindberg Boulevard and Earl Ovington Boulevard will be closed.

Beginning at noon on Monday, Sept. 26 and ending at midnight:

  • Hempstead Turnpike will be closed to all traffic between Oak Street and Merrick Avenue by Eisenhower Park
  • Oak Street will be closed from Hempstead Turnpike north to Westbury Boulevard
  • Eastbound and westbound traffic in this area should use alternate routes such as Front Street, Old Country Road or Stewart Avenue
  • Lawrence Street in Uniondale will be one-way northbound only from Hempstead Turnpike to Westbury Boulevard.
  • Courtenay Road in Hempstead will be one-way southbound from Hempstead Turnpike to Front Street
  • No on-street parking will be permitted on either Lawrence Street and Courtenay Road on Monday, Sept. 26. 
  • There will be no access to Hempstead Turnpike from Front Street. Residents and other local traffic only will be permitted.

The following streets will be one-way southbound for one block outh of Hempstead Turnpike:

  • Manor Parkway
  • Marvin Avenue
  • Walton Avenue
  • Gilroy Avenue
  • Cunningham Avenue

The Commission on Presidential Debates said Tuesday the Sept. 26 debate will now take place at Hofstra University in Hempstead. 

The original host, Wright State University, said earlier Tuesday it would pull out of the event, citing the costs associated with it.

Local media reported that the university was facing a budget crunch.

"The commission very much appreciates Wright State's efforts. Hofstra University served very successfully as a presidential debate site in 2012," the Commission on Presidential Debates said in a statement. 

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