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Traffic Delays Expected During Evening Rush as President Obama Returns

By Jill Colvin | July 27, 2012 5:12pm | Updated on July 30, 2012 9:00am
President Barack Obama delivers his commencement speech to the Barnard class of 2012.
President Barack Obama delivers his commencement speech to the Barnard class of 2012.
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Barnard College/Asiya Khaki

FLATIRON — Get ready for gridlock.

President Barack Obama is set to return to Manhattan Monday for yet another fundraising blitz that is sure to snarl traffic at the heat of rush hour.

The President is set to attend at least one campaign fundraiser — a swanky dinner at the NoMad Hotel on Broadway, which 60 people paid $40,000 per person to attend, a campaign official said.

Obama is set to touch down just after 4:30 p.m. and is expected to leave the city around 10 p.m., according to the White House — likely guaranteeing traffic headaches through the evening commute.

Traffic guru "Gridlock" Sam Schwartz said Obama will travel from the Wall Street helipad along the FDR, which will be closed both ways south of 42nd Street between 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. — and during his return trip after 8:30 p.m.

He is then expected to travel west along 23rd Street to the hotel.

"All aves. may be 'frozen' at 23rd St. as the presidential motorcade passes between 6-6:30pm," Schwartz warned via Twitter, advising drivers to avoid Sixth Avenue, 28th Street and Broadway.

The campaign was mum on other details, including who would be attending and hosting the event.

Obama has made frequent visits to the city since the start of the campaign season, which have attracted numerous stars, including Sarah Jessica Parker and Mariah Carey.

Proceeds for Monday's event will be divided between the campaign, the Democratic National Committee and several state Democratic parties.

The campaign will also continue raking in campaign cash on Tuesday when actress Julianna Margulies and former White House adviser Valerie Jarrett will host a cocktail fundraiser on the president's behalf, according to Capital New York. The event will be held at Jimmy, the bar on the roof of Grand Street's James Hotel, with tickets going for $250 to $2,000, the website said.