President Obama will whisk in, and out, of Cedar Rapids today

President Barack Obama's visit today is a carefully planned affair that won't disrupt Eastern Iowa much despite all the security measures.

“There are many different meetings, plans and backup plans,” said Sara Mau, operations manager at The Eastern Iowa Airport. “It is a well-orchestrated event - planning every detail, rechecking assignments and preparing for the event day.”

Obama is scheduled to arrive at the airport around 11:30 a.m. and travel by motorcade to Conveyor Engineering & Manufacturing, 1345 76th Ave. SW. The president is expected to speak for about 30 minutes at the plant as part of a five-city, three-state campaign swing following up on his State of the Union message Tuesday night.

Obama's visit is not open to the public.

The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a temporary flight restriction between 10:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Commercial airline flights will not be allowed to take off or land only during the brief periods when Air Force One is arriving or departing.

“All people involved understand the time commitment involved with a visit, and we all try and be cognizant of those who need to use the airport for their flights,” said Mau.

Cedar Rapids police are expected to close the motorcade route - likely Wright Brothers Boulevard SW, 18th Street SW and 76th Avenue SW - for brief periods as the president's motorcade travels to and from the airport.

Security will be such that airport administrative staff must remain inside the administration building when the presidential motorcade is passing by. Obama will not use the main passenger terminal but rather the airport's DHL Cargo facilities.

The presidents is scheduled to fly from Cedar Rapids to Phoenix for a 1:30 p.m. appearance.

Our coverage plans today:

• Follow live reports by Gazette staff on Twitter by using the hashtag #CROBAMA.
• Watch Obama's arrival, his noon remarks and the president's departure via live stream.

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