AUGUSTA — Police say to expect traffic issues in north Augusta all day today connected to the inauguration of Gov. Paul R. LePage.

The event got under way at 11 a.m. and will last until after 1 p.m., then reconvene tonight with a 7 p.m. reception.

The exit for the Augusta Civic Center, site of today’s inauguration, was backed up more than a mile prior to the event starting. Police say those without interests in north Augusta should avoid the area of Exit 112 today.

Those traveling to the event may want to pursue alternate routes, including using Exit 109 to downtown Augusta. Then go east on Western Avenue to Memorial Circle, follow signs for Route 27, Belgrade.

Augusta Police Lt. Christopher Read encouraged drivers to avoid Civic Center Drive in the area of the Civic Center throughout the inauguration. Vehicles are quickly filling parking spaces, leaving police to scramble to find additional space.

“We dont have the capacity to handle that many people,” Read said.

The area will likely be clogged with vehicles throughout the inauguration.

“We’re hoping people will avoid that area,” Read said.