Major traffic routes feeding downtown St. Paul will be largely unfettered and unobstructed during the Republican National Convention in September, but decisions are still being made about an area around the convention site, St. Paul police said Wednesday.

According to the first phase of the Police Department's traffic management plan, Interstate Hwys. 94 and 35E, Shepard Road, and Wabasha and Robert streets will remain open.

Still to be decided, however, will be the extent of vehicle access into an area closer to the convention at the Xcel Energy Center. Rules for that area, falling between I-35E, Shepard Road, Chestnut Street and St. Peter Street, will be determined by mid-August, said Assistant Police Chief Matt Bostrom.

He said that it is expected all businesses within that area will be able to remain open during the convention, which will be Sept. 1-4. United, Children's and St. Joseph's hospitals and Catholic Charities are within that area.

It's not yet clear what streets may be closed or restricted to vehicle traffic. Police expect to get more information from convention organizers regarding how many delegates, news media and convention guests will be attending. In addition, Bostrom said police are working with area businesses and organizations to get a better idea of their traffic patterns, such as when deliveries arrive and what time employees come to work.

Bostrom said the goal is to put the security perimeter as close as possible to the Xcel Energy Center to allow most traffic to flow smoothly. Police need to work with residents of the area and to work out the effect on bus routes through the area.

Details of the traffic access will be available at two public meetings: Aug. 11 from 6 to 7 p.m. and Aug. 13 from 8 to 9 a.m. Both meetings will be at room 40 of St. Paul City Hall.

James Walsh • 651-298-1541