Jerusalem bracing for gridlock during world leaders' - Facing Tomorrow

From: Jonathan Lis, Haaretz

The Jerusalem, Israel police department has completed its preparations for the "Facing Tomorrow" conference opening in the capital today, under the auspices of Israel President Shimon Peres. Dozens of heads of state and former and current world leaders will attend the three-day conference, including U.S. President George W. Bush, who is scheduled to arrive tomorrow.

Some 14,000 police officers will provide security for the high-level delegations coming to Facing Tomorrow.
Jerusalem police yesterday published a list of roads that will be closed off intermittently as the various delegations make their way through the city. Police officials promised that the movements of some 30 heads of state and world leaders would not interfere with traffic in Jerusalem, since roads will be closed for only a brief time while the VIPs' motorcades pass, with a police escort to clear a path.

However, major traffic disruptions are expected to snarl Jerusalem when Bush arrives tomorrow. Roads around Givat Ram will be closed to traffic at 10 A.M. Bush is scheduled to land at 11:30 A.M. at a helipad constructed for the purpose at the Givat Ram stadium. His motorcade will set out for the King David Hotel at 11:55 A.M, traveling along Ruppin Street, to Ramban Street, Agron Street, and from there to the hotel.

Later in the day, traffic will be barred along the route leading from the hotel to the President's Residence and the prime minister's official residence nearby, where Bush is scheduled to pay an early-afternoon visit.

Any vehicles parked along the president's motorcade route will be towed to the Teddy Stadium parking lot.

Bush will be accompanied on his two-day visit by his wife, Laura. The first lady will tour Jerusalem, but her schedule has not been finalized. As of now, she is expected to visit the Western Wall tunnel and a facility caring for children.

Police yesterday recommended using only public transportation this week.

Updated information about street closures can be obtained by calling the police hotline number 1-700-50-20-30, or visiting the police Internet site www.police.gov.il.