Biden in Wilmington: From arrival to traffic, here's more about the president's visit

President Joe Biden will head to Wilmington on Thursday.

According to a release from The White House, he will arrive at Wilmington International Airport and then head to the Wilmington Convention Center to give remarks on infrastructure and the environment.

Here's what you need to know about the president's upcoming visit and what to expect for Biden's arrival in the Port City.

When will Biden arrive?

The timeline of around 3 p.m. has shifted a bit due to Biden first heading to Charlotte, where he will "pay his respects to the brave law enforcement officers killed and wounded in the line of duty," according to a White House release.

Four officers were killed while trying to serve a warrant to a convicted felon in Charlotte on Monday.

Biden is scheduled to leave Charlotte at 3:10 p.m. and head to Wilmington International Airport, where he is set to arrive at 3:55 p.m.

He will then head to the Wilmington Convention Center, where he will deliver remarks at 4:30 p.m. before departing Wilmington at 6:05 p.m.

More: Ahead of Biden's visit, what Wilmington projects are in dire need of federal funding?

What will Biden discuss?

While at the Wilmington Convention Center, Biden is expected to discuss "how his Investing in America agenda is rebuilding our infrastructure and creating good-paying jobs in Wilmington and across the country," according to a news release from The White House.

In response to why Wilmington might be a fitting location for the discussion of such subject matter, Mayor Bill Saffo mentioned U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Reagan's previous visit to Wilmington, highlighting Reagan's discussion of national PFAS regulations.

Previous Coverage: EPA administrator joins Mayor Saffo and Gov. Cooper to announce Clean Ports Program

"I know that the administration has been very engaged in that issue," Saffo said. "They've also been engaged at the federal level with the removal of lead from our pipes," adding that the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (CFPUA) has been working on that matter for a number of years.

Wilmington has been on the forefront of numerous environmental issues regionally, the mayor added.

"I think (Biden) is here to make an announcement as to what that means not only for this community but for the country," Saffo said.

How has the city of Wilmington prepared for the president's arrival?

Preparing for a presidential visit requires a community-wide collaborative effort, Saffo said.

"When a president visits a community there are a lot of things that we have to work on and work with the administration and ... the secret service in planning these types of events," Saffo said. "Where the events are held, the size of the venue, the locations, the motorcade to and from the airport − the logistics involved are enormous."

Saffo said Biden's visit is historic for Wilmington.

"Obviously we are very proud to have any president arrive in our community that represents our government," noting that former President Donald Trump previously visited the Port City in 2020, designating Wilmington the first World War II Heritage City nationwide.

Previous Coverage: Trump rally in Wilmington postponed because of severe weather

When will Air Force One arrive at ILM?

Air Force One will arrive at the Wilmington International Airport at 3:55 p.m. Thursday.

By Wednesday morning, the Federal Aviation Administration listed a temporary flight restriction (TFR) Thursday in a roughly 30-mile radius surrounding downtown Wilmington between 1:30 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. It's unknown as of Wednesday night if the time range will widen given Biden's change in schedule.

It is important to note that Wilmington International Airport anticipates minor impacts to commercial flight operations during this time as the TFR does not fully restrict scheduled commercial flights, according to airport spokesperson Erin McNally.

"We encourage travelers to check their flight status directly with the airlines for the most up to date information," reads a Facebook announcement from ILM posted Wednesday. "Additionally, travelers may want to allow extra time, in the event there are temporary road closures or changes in traffic patterns."

Air travel for general aviation users will be restricted primarily between 1:30 p.m. and 5:15 p.m., according to the post. General aviation users are encouraged to check NOTAMS (notices) for details.

What about security and traffic?

The Wilmington Police Department will be providing personnel to assist with the needs of the U.S. Secret Service, police spokesman Lt. Greg Willett said.

The Secret Service works closely with local law enforcement to "minimize disruptions to the public while ensuring the highest level of safety and security," Special Agent Joseph Routh said in an email on Tuesday.

As of Tuesday, Routh was unable to discuss any security specifics, but he said that "the public can expect intermittent road closures and parking restrictions as part of the visit."

Saffo referred to Wilmington law enforcement involvement with the event as "significant," noting the New Hanover County Sheriff's Office, Wilmington Police Department and Wilmington's Secret Service field office have been in communication with one another in preparation of the event.

As for traffic, the Secret Service has been advised about the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge lane closures, Saffo said.

"I don't know the exact route that the president will take, but I know that they've been advised and informed about that," Saffo said. The Secret Service will "try to minimize any kind of impact to the community to the best of their ability."

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Joe Biden in Wilmington, NC: What to know about Thursday's visit