Tacoma's turn: City warns of traffic delays Wednesday for Chinese presidential visit

TACOMA -- The city of Tacoma warned of traffic delays expected for Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit Wednesday afternoon.

"On Wednesday, Sept. 23, there will be delays and closures taking place starting in the mid-to-late afternoon in and around Lincoln High School and around some parts of downtown Tacoma," the city said in a news release.

This activity is expected to limit access to I-5 from SR-7 and I-705, with heavier-than-usual congestion surrounding these interchanges, it added.

While detours will be in place, drivers are advised to plan ahead and expect delays and closures, the release said.

Xi is scheduled to visit Tacoma's Lincoln High School late Wednesday afternoon.

Principal Patrick Erwin told The Seattle Times that Xi will get a glimpse of what a typical U.S. high school feels like.

Former Washington Gov. Gary Locke said Xi will meet with students involved in sports, visit a classroom, and then address an assembly of students.