TIMELINE: A day on Midlands roads with the President

3:54 p.m.

The Presidential motorcade arrives at Columbia Metropolitan Airport. All affected traffic should begin to clear soon - just in time for the weekend rush hour.

3:46 p.m.

Motorists near the I-26 exits and U.S. 1 or Airport Boulevard could be experiencing delays soon as the Presidential motorcade is heading in that direction, presumably on the way back to Columbia Metropolitan Airport.

3:42 p.m.

There was a significant backup reported on I-126 leading into the city as traffic was stopped while the motorcade passed by.

3:36 p.m.

The President has left Benedict College and is headed back to the Columbia Metropolitan Airport. The motorcade appears to be taking Elmwood Avenue to I-126 out of the city. Motorists traveling along that area could experience delays.

1:05 p.m. The Presidential motorcade has arrived at Benedict College. A large crowd was awaiting at Laurel and Harden streets. Traffic could settle some but likely will pick up shortly in preparation for his departure later in the afternoon.

12:55 p.m.

The Presidential motorcade has left Brookland Baptist Church and was headed toward downtown Columbia. Motorists traveling downtown could experience delays.

12:35 p.m.

President Barack Obama has arrived at Brookland Baptist Church off U.S. 378 in in West Columbia. Motorists traveling that area should be prepared for delays.

12:20 p.m.

Traffic was being cleared along I-126 leading into Columbia shortly after the President landed at Columbia Metropolitan Airport just before noon.

Police cars had been gathered on key exits off I-126 this morning, in advance of the President’s visit to Benedict College in downtown Columbia.

The block of Harden Street in front of Benedict College has been blocked off and traffic was starting to back up.

Motorists are advised to be aware of routes they take through downtown today as Obama visits Benedict College early this afternoon.

11:15 a.m.

Traffic was moving smoothly along 1-126 as well as along Knox Abbott Drive in Cayce, where there was no visible police presence.

This story was originally published March 6, 2015 at 11:19 AM.