Extra Patrols in the East During Presidential Debate

In less than 24 hours President Barack Obama and Republican candidate Mitt Romney with take the stage in a highly anticipated debate that's had Hofstra University buzzing for days.

While the excitement builds on campus, both county and village police are bracing for the traffic woes in and around the university.

"We will have extra patrols in the eastern portion of the village to monitor and manage traffic issues. We will be prepared to assist the county PD as well as the state and federal agencies involved as necessary," Garden City police commissioner Kenneth Jackson told Patch.

Nassau County police released the following road closures effective 6 a.m. Tuesday to approximately 12 a.m. Oct. 17:

• Earl Ovington Blvd. will be closed to all traffic between Hempstead Turnpike and Charles Lindbergh Blvd. from 6 a.m. until 12 a.m. midnight.

• No commercial traffic will be allowed on Hempstead Turnpike between Oak Street and Merrick Ave. between 6 a.m. and 12 a.m. on the day of the debate. (Westbound commercial traffic will be diverted at Merrick Ave. and Hempstead Turnpike and eastbound commercial traffic will be diverted at Oak Street and Hempstead Turnpike.)

• All lanes of Hempstead Turnpike will remain open to passenger vehicles. However motorists should expect periodic delays on Hempstead Turnpike and vicinity due to intermittent road closings throughout the day especially in the vicinity of Hofstra University’s main entrance and the Nassau Coliseum.