President Donald Trump’s Gastonia visit Wednesday will bring road closures and significant traffic around the Gastonia Municipal Airport.
Trump will speak at 7 p.m. September 16, supporting Republican U.S. Senate nominee Michael Whatley. Whatley faces former Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper for North Carolina’s open Senate seat.
Gastonia Police say traffic restrictions will begin hours before the event. Starting at 10 a.m., crews will restrict several roads to local traffic and establish detours nearby.
The affected roads include:
- Union Road
- Gaston Day School Road
- Robinson Road
- Bud Wilson Road
Additional closures will begin at 2 p.m., followed by full closures at 5:30 p.m. Those restrictions will continue into the evening, with Union Road and Gaston Day School Road facing the greatest impacts.
The broader affected area lies east of Highway 321, south of Interstate 85, and west of South New Hope Road.
The visit brings Trump back to a familiar campaign location. Charlotte Stories previously covered his October 2020 rally at Gastonia Municipal Airport.
This time, he returns to campaign for Whatley, who previously chaired the Republican National Committee and North Carolina Republican Party.
For nearby residents and commuters, police recommend planning ahead and choosing alternate routes. Drivers should follow posted detours and officers’ directions. Anyone without essential travel should avoid the airport area Wednesday afternoon and evening.
