CHARLESTON --  As supporters of the Obama-Biden ticket get pumped up for a visit from V.P. Candidate Joe Biden, Charleston police are busy preparing as well.

"It causes some issues for us as far as traffic safety so we're doing what we can to make it happen," said Sgt. Sean Williams, who heads up the city's traffic division.

Friday's political rally comes with a new set of challenges for officers as the venue is a bit out of the ordinary. Senator Biden is actually scheduled to speak right in the middle of the intersection between Lee and Capital with the crowds gathered in the streets.

As a result, several streets will be closed Thursday night and for most of the day Friday. Lee street will be shut down between Summers and Dickenson as will Capitol street from Washington to Quarrier.

"They want to give Charleston a nice national plug by showing what a beautiful vista we have here," said Tom Vogel, statewide director for the Obama-Biden campaign.

For those planning to attend the rally or just traveling through downtown Friday, police plead for patience. "We're concerned with people trying to get to their place of employment in the morning with rush hour.

We're just hoping that one, people leave a little earlier or as their employers to be a little compassionate if they're a few minutes late trying to get to their place of employment," said Williams.

The public will be allowed into the area at 8:30 a.m. Friday and are asked to enter through Fife Street off of Summers Street to go through security.

Police advise parking in city garages pr the Town Center Mall garage.