ASHEVILLE, NC (WLOS) — The North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP) issued a message to motorists in and around Asheville on Wednesday: Expect delays.

Former President Donald Trump will hold a rally at Harrah’s Cherokee Center in Asheville on Wednesday at 4 p.m. Doors open at 1 p.m.

FORMER PRESIDENT TRUMP TO CAMPAIGN IN ASHEVILLE ON WEDNESDAY

Lt. Joshua Dowdle of the NCSHP said in a written statement Monday, Aug. 12, that motorists near the airport and on Interstates 240 and 40 should expect significant delays.

“This event will have a major impact on traffic both before and after,” the statement said. “Motorists should expect significant delays on I-26 near the airport. In addition, there will be delays on I-240 and I-40 near the interchange.”

Dowdle said police are working with partner agencies to minimize impacts on traffic and ensure the safety of those involved in the event.

“I would strongly advise drivers to avoid the areas I mentioned as much as possible,” he added.

News 13 has reached out to Asheville Regional Airport for information on possible arrival times and asked if officials are expecting a rush at the airport.

Trump, who is running for president again as a Republican in November, is no stranger to western North Carolina, having held a rally at the same spot in downtown Asheville in the run-up to the 2016 presidential election. He returned to the region during his re-election campaign in 2020visited a Farmers to Families Food Box facility in Mills River. Recently Trump made an unpublicized stopover in the area in July 2023.

If you would like to attend Wednesday’s rally in downtown Asheville, you can register for general admission tickets at donaldjtrump.com.