No chances: Security will be tight in Selma

By Mona Denise Taylor The Selma Times-Journal Thu March 2, 2000

Traffic Division Commander Lt. David Evans said his officers are prepared for the large influx of tourist into the city and for any other problems that might arise. But he cautioned that failure to obey road blocks or not allowing extra time for security checks, could cause many to miss the highlighted events.
"There will be very tight security, so be prepared for delays," Evans said. "Certain areas will be closed off near Water Avenue and Broad Street at various times during the weekend so people really need to be aware of where they can go."
He said no vehicles or people will be allowed in those restricted areas, especially on Sunday, when President Clinton will led others in the march across the bridge.

"Police officers will be down in those areas patrolling. If there are any cars there and the owner can't be identified quickly, then they will be towed - no questions asked." Evans said there will be two security checkpoints Sunday: one on the corner of Broad Street and Alabama Avenue, and another on Water Avenue and Washington Street.
"Everyone will be checked by security teams using metal detectors and other procedures," he said. "We're asking ladies not carry bags or purses in with them - that will just slow down the procedures."

At 6 p.m. on Friday, the division will barricade Water Avenue from Broad to Church Street and from Broad to Washington Street.
"We will allow cars in on Water Avenue to Washington Street, and from Water to Alabama Avenue. Lauderdale will be barricaded to allow vendors to set up their booths," Evans said. On Saturday, the annual Jubilee Parade will begin at 9 a.m. from Selma High School to the Pettus Bridge and back around to the School of Discovery.
Evans said Broad Street and the bridge will both be closed from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., then re-open.

"At about 6 p.m., we will close off one of the lanes on the bridge heading into town. This will allow for the construction of the stage the president will stand on when he makes his speech," he said.
At 6 a.m. Sunday morning, both Broad Street and the bridge will be closed. There will also be no traffic allowed from Alabama Avenue to Kingsbend Road.
"No person will be allowed in that area-not even permitted to walk there, unless they are with the president's security team," said Evans. Evans said security checks will begin around 10 a.m. for those seeking access at the checkpoints to march or hear the president's speech.

"We're asking those who intend to march to start at Brown Chapel and go through the checks so they will be in place for the president's speech," said Evans. "Some people may want to forego the march and just hear the president's speech, they should go through the Water Avenue and Washington Street checkpoint."
© 2000 Selma Newspapers Inc. All rights reserved.

Selma roads being closed for Clinton visit

Associated Press 3/3/00 6:51 PM

• 6 a.m., U.S. 80 will be closed from the Edmund Pettus Bridge to the Glasshouse Restaurant
• 11:45 a.m., U.S. 80 will be closed from Craig Field to the bridge
• 12:10 p.m., All access roads onto U.S. 80 will be blocked as the president's motorcade passes. U.S. 80 between King Bend Road and the bridge will remain closed until the detail is complete
• 2:40 p.m., U.S. 80 will be closed at Alabama 41 and all traffic will be rerouted to the Selma Bypass, with access to downtown Selma on Water, Division, Highland or Broad streets
• 3 p.m., U.S. 80 will closed between the bridge and Craig Field for the president's motorcade to return to Craig Field
• 3:20 p.m., U.S. 80 will reopen between Craig Field and the Selma Bypass.
• U.S. 80 will remain closed between the Bypass and the bridge until the march has passed Kings Bend Road. That time is uncertain