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Philly girding itself for several marches protesting Trump's inauguration

Marches and demonstrations planned in Philadelphia to protest the presidential inauguration of Donald Trump are expected to cause traffic woes Friday from shortly after noon into the evening.

Marches and demonstrations planned in Philadelphia to protest the presidential inauguration of Donald Trump are expected to cause traffic woes Friday from shortly after noon into the evening.

Police have been talking to the protest groups and do not anticipate any trouble beyond commuting headaches, said Chief Inspector Joseph Sullivan, who oversees the Homeland Security Unit.

Philadelphia police will have additional officers on the street and are coordinating with other law enforcement agencies, he said.

"I expect a high-energy afternoon and evening," Sullivan said.

The Police Department issued a statement advising the public to expect traffic delays in Center City, especially around City Hall and Independence Mall, starting around noon.

"It is recommended that these areas be avoided if possible and public transportation be utilized as an alternative," police said.

A student walkout is planned at Temple University at 1 p.m. and at Community College of Philadelphia at 2 p.m., with participants assembling at the Municipal Services Building across from City Hall at 3 p.m.

After a rally at Thomas Paine Plaza, the protesters are expected to march around Center City in the middle of the evening commute.

Live updates: Get the latest on Donald Trump's inauguration here.

Around 4 p.m., people will gather near the Liberty Bell for a "people's inauguration."

At the University of Pennsylvania at 3:30 p.m., a walkout will be led by Penn Students for a Democratic Society. They will then gather in the heart of the campus at College Green.

bmoran@phillynews.com

215-854-5983@RobertMoran215