State police recommend motorists avoid Route 68 in and around Connoquenessing Township on Saturday, July 13, when heavy traffic is expected for the rally of former President Donald Trump at the Butler Farm Show grounds.

A Thursday, July 11, news release from state police said traffic around the farm show at 625 Evans City Road is expected to increase as early as noon, even though doors for the event open at 1 p.m. and the rally itself doesn’t begin until 5 p.m.

The road in that area is under construction, which has left safety bollards funneling the estimated 25,000 vehicles per day over Evans City Road as crews expand the street lanes. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s project to put a center turn lane on the road began construction in early 2024, and completion is expected in the fall.

Police recommend motorists travel on I-79, Route 8 and Route 422 to travel around eastern Butler County to avoid traffic related to the event.

Confessions and Mass on Saturday at St. Conrad Roman Catholic Church, 125 Buttercup Road, will be moved to St. Paul Roman Catholic Church, 128 N. McKean St. in Butler, because of the expected congestion in the area.

Cindy Hildebrand, chairwoman of the United Republicans of Butler County, said the organization is scheduled to meet with the Secret Service on Friday, July 12, to get more information on Saturday’s rally. She said previously the United Republicans are preparing for a hot day by organizing cooling stations at the rally and asking that ambulances be on site in case of emergency.