It's the highway that's depressed, NOT Memorial Drive, which, unless the city did something completely nutty, was probably closed, just like they do for the Fair and everything else that goes on down there.
Police to close roads for Obamas visit
St. Louis Business Journal
Police will shut down streets near the Gateway Arch this Saturday before Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obamas visit and rally.
Beginning at 5 a.m., Leonor K. Sullivan will be closed from Poplar Street to Washington Avenue, St. Louis police said Thursday. It will remain closed until the rally concludes. Memorial Drive will also be closed intermittently to handle crowds.