WEST PITTSTON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Anytime the second in command comes to NEPA, traffic and road closures are bound to cause tie-ups.
In preparation for Vice President J.D. Vance's visit in Luzerne County, borough workers and Pennsylvania State Police set up rolling roadblocks in West Pittston.
Several roads were closed for the Vice President's arrival, forcing locals to reroute or head in the opposite direction they needed.
People lined the sidewalks to try to get a glimpse of the motorcade, and one resident tells 28/22 News her area was buzzing since early this morning.
Vice President JD Vance visit to West Pittston
"I know there was a big crowd of people out to see him starting at like 9:00 a.m., we had seen a lot of motorcycles and cars getting ready to get the chance to see him talk, so we're thrilled to have him here," said West Pittston resident Ashley Mead.
While many people came out to see Vance, some supporters found out late and couldn't get there.
"I don't remember seeing anything until yesterday, and I wish I were there except I had to be at another area this morning, and I'm afraid now the crowd will be too busy," said West Pittston resident Nancy Morris.
Near Don's Machine Shop, where the Vice President spoke, one family took advantage of the road closure and set up a lemonade stand.
"We got a lot of foot traffic, which we expected, and it worked out perfectly. All good people, all happy people, excited people, just regardless of your affiliation, political view. This was just focusing our view on a historic moment in West Pittston," said West Pittston resident Kristen Walsh.
Most of the locals said they weren't affected by the roadblocks, and if they were, they chose to focus on the positive.
"I was explaining to my kids that this is history, not only is he visiting local, but he is in your hometown and on our street. So, there's nothing more exciting," said Walsh.
Vice President Vance stopped by Majestic Lunch on Main Street in Pittston before heading back to the airport.
Roads in West Pittston are now open, and traffic is flowing freely once again.
