The following Metro parking lots are full: Branch Ave, New Carrollton, Greenbelt, Largo Town Center, Franconia-Springfield, Van Dorn, Rhode Island Avenue, Fort Totten, Vienna, East Falls Church, Shady Grove.
The government plans to close most bridges from Virginia into the District of Columbia except for bus and taxi traffic on Tuesday for President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration.
A map released by the Secret Service shows about 3.5 square miles of downtown Washington closed to traffic starting midafternoon on Jan. 19, the day before the inauguration.
Streets will remain closed to most traffic until morning rush hour on Jan. 21, Obama's first full day as president.
For the latest traffic news, maps and cameras, click here.
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Washington, D.C., Traffic Alerts
Events and activities celebrating the 56th Presidential Inauguration will take place beginning on Saturday, Jan. 17, through Wednesday, Jan. 21, with the swearing-in scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 20.
Security and transportation plans for the inaugural have been developed by a partnership of local, state and federal law enforcement and public safety agencies, including the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), the District of Columbia Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, the Virginia State Police, the Maryland Department of Transportation, the United States Secret Service, the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), the United States Capitol Police and the United States Park Police.
This transportation plan provides the general outlines for road closures, vehicular restricted zones, public transportation, charter vehicles and pedestrian routes. Additional information is available online for residents of the District, Virginia and Maryland, as well as charter operators, through the websites listed at the end of this plan. Additions to this plan may be made prior to the Inaugural and will be updated on these websites. Specific questions regarding this transportation plan should be directed to the participating agencies as identified.
Access into Washington, D.C., will be limited on Tuesday, Jan. 20. The following is a summary of routes and their status that day:
- 14th Street Bridge – Restricted to Buses and Authorized Vehicles Only
- Roosevelt Bridge – Restricted to Buses and Authorized Vehicles Only
- Memorial Bridge – Restricted to Pedestrians and Emergency Vehicles Only
- Key Bridge – Restricted to Mass Transit Only
- Chain Bridge - Restricted to Authorized Vehicles and Mass Transit Only, no charter buses.
- South Capitol Street Bridge – Restricted to Buses and Authorized Vehicles Only
- Southeast/Southwest Freeway – Restricted to Emergency Vehicles Only
- Rock Creek Parkway – Open to traffic from Beach Drive to Virginia Avenue NW (Holiday traffic schedule in effect throughout the park)
- Clara Barton Parkway operating under Holiday schedule (2 way traffic all day)
- 11th Street Bridges – Restricted to Buses and Authorized Vehicles Only
- Sousa Bridge – Open to all traffic from east of the river to security checkpoint in Capitol Hill; Barney Circle closed to all vehicles
- East Capitol Street – Open to all traffic but roadways around RFK will be filled with tour buses
- Benning Road – Open to all traffic
- New York Avenue – Open to all traffic
- 3rd Street Tunnel – Closed to all vehicular traffic and restricted to pedestrian use only.
Authorized vehicles include taxicabs and limousines with valid licenses.
Washington, D.C. Vehicular Restrictions
Vehicle Restricted Zone: Vehicular road closures in Washington, D.C. will be instituted by the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Park Police. Extensive road closures and vehicle restricted zones will be established in Washington, D.C. Beginning at 3 p.m. on Monday, January 19, through 7 a.m. on Wednesday, January 21, all of the following areas will be posted as Emergency No Parking. From 4 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 20, many of these areas will be posted by law enforcement personnel and vehicular traffic will be limited to residents with government issued identification (driver’s license) or vehicle registration showing residency inside the restricted area, or to vehicles conducting essential business within the restricted area.
- K Street NW from Washington Circle to 12th Street NW
- Washington Circle from K Street NW to 23rd Street NW
- Pennsylvania Avenue NW from Washington Circle to the US Capitol
- I Street NW from 23rd Street NW to 11th Street NW
- H Street NW from 23rd Street NW to 3rd Street NW
- G Street NW from 23rd Street NW to 3rd Street NW
- F Street NW from 23rd Street NW to 3rd Street NW
- E Street NW from 23rd Street NW to 3rd Street NW
- Virginia Avenue from 23rd Street NW to 2nd SW
- D Street NW from 23rd Street NW to 1st Street NW
- C Street NW from 23rd Street NW to 3rd Street NW
- Constitution Avenue from 23rd Street NW to 2nd Street NE
- Madison Dr. NW from 15th Street NW to 3rd Street NW
- Jefferson Dr. SW from 15th Street SW to 3rd Street SW
- Independence Avenue from 23rd Street SW to 2nd Street SE
- C Street SW from 7th Street SW to 2nd Street SW
- D Street SW from 7th Street SW to 2nd Street SW
- E Street SW from 7th Street SW to 2nd Street SW
- Maryland Avenue SW from 7th Street SW to the US Capitol
- 23rd Street from Washington Circle NW to Independence Avenue SW
- 22nd Street NW from K Street NW to Constitution Avenue NW
- 21st Street NW from K Street NW to Constitution Avenue NW
- 20th Street NW from K Street NW to Constitution Avenue NW
- 19th Street NW from K Street NW to Constitution Avenue NW
- 18th Street NW from K Street NW to Constitution Avenue NW
- 17th Street from K Street NW to Independence Avenue SW
- Connecticut Avenue NW from K Street NW to H Street NW
- 16th Street NW from K Street NW to H Street NW
- Vermont Avenue NW from K Street NW to H Street NW
- 15th Street from K Street NW to Independence Avenue SW
- 14th Street from K Street NW to Independence Avenue SW
- New York Avenue NW from 18th Street NW to 11th Street NW
- 13th Street NW from K Street NW to Pennsylvania Avenue NW
- 12th Street from K Street NW to Independence Avenue SW
- 11th Street NW from K Street NW to Pennsylvania Avenue NW
- 10th Street NW from H Street NW to Constitution Avenue NW
- 9th Street from H Street NW to Independence Avenue SW
- 8th Street NW from H Street NW to D Street NW
- 7th Street from H Street NW to E Street SW
- 6th Street from H Street NW to E Street SW
- 5th Street from H Street NW to D Street NW
- 4th Street from H Street NW to E Street SW
- 3rd Street from Massachusetts Avenue NW to E Street SW
- Henry Bacon Dr. NW from the Lincoln Memorial to Constitution Avenue NW
- Daniel French Dr. SW from the Lincoln Memorial to Independence Avenue SW
- Ohio Drive from Independence Avenue through West Potomac and East Potomac Parks
- Buckeye Drive in East Potomac Park
- West Basin Drive
- East Basin Drive
- Parkway Drive from Rock Creek Parkway to Lincoln Memorial Circle
- Maine Avenue from East Basin Drive to Independence Avenue
Vehicular Road Closures: In addition to above listed Emergency No Parking and vehicle restricted areas, from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 20, the following roads will be closed and off limits to vehicles without a law enforcement escort:
- Pennsylvania Avenue NW from 18th Street NW to the US Capitol
- I Street NW from 18th Street NW to 12th Street NW
- H Street NW from 18th Street NW to 12th Street NW
- G Street NW from 18th Street NW to 12th Street NW
- F Street NW from 18th Street NW to 12th Street NW
- E Street NW from 18th Street NW to 6th Street NW
- D Street NW from 18th Street NW to 6th Street NW
- C Street from 18th Street NW to 2nd Street NE
- Constitution Avenue from 17th Street NW to 2nd Street NE
- Madison Dr. NW from 15th Street NW to 3rd Street NW
- Jefferson Dr. SW from 15th Street SW to 3rd Street SW
- Independence Avenue from 14th Street SW to 2nd Street NE
- Maryland Avenue SW from 6th Street SW to the US Capitol
- 17th Street from I Street NW to Independence Avenue SW
- Connecticut Avenue NW from I Street NW to H Street NW
- 16th Street NW from I Street NW to H Street NW
- Vermont Avenue NW from I Street NW to H Street NW
- 15th Street from I Street NW to Independence Avenue SW
- 14th Street from I Street NW to Independence Avenue SW
- New York Avenue NW from 18th Street NW to 12th Street NW
- 13th Street NW from I Street NW to Pennsylvania Avenue NW
- 12th Street from F Street NW to Independence Avenue SW
- 11th Street NW from F Street NW to Pennsylvania Avenue NW
- 10th Street NW from F Street NW to Constitution Avenue NW
- 9th Street from F Street NW to Independence Avenue SW
- 8th Street NW from F Street NW to D Street NW
- 7th Street from F Street NW to Independence Avenue SW
- 6th Street from F Street NW to Maryland Avenue SW
- 5th Street from D Street NW to Independence Avenue SW
- 4th Street from D Street NW to Independence Avenue SW
- 3rd Street from D Street NW to Independence Avenue SW
Capitol Hill: Road closures on Capitol Hill will be instituted by the U.S. Capitol Police in cooperation with the Metropolitan Police Department. Access to the perimeter will be restricted to properly authorized and credentialed personnel only. No public parking will be provided. The following street closures will go into effect starting at 5 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 20:
- Louisiana Avenue between Columbus Circle and Constitution Avenue NW
- Delaware Avenue between Columbus Circle and D Street NE
- First Street between Columbus Circle and D Street NE
- North Capitol Street NW between E Street and Louisiana Avenue
- E Street between New Jersey Avenue and North Capitol Street NW
- New Jersey Avenue NW between E Street and Louisiana Avenue NW
- D Street between Louisiana Avenue NW and Second Street NE
- First Street NW between D Street NW and Louisiana Avenue NW
- C Street NW between First Street and Louisiana Avenue NW
- Second Street NW between C Street and Constitution Avenue NW
- Second Street NE between Massachusetts Avenue NE and C Street SE
- C Street SE between Second Street SE and First Street SE
- First Street SE between C Street and D Street SE
- D Street between First Street SE and Washington Avenue SW
- Washington Avenue SW between D Street SW, and Independence Avenue SW
- Independence Avenue SW between Second Street SW and Third Street NW
- Third Street between SW Freeway and Constitution Avenue NW
- Constitution Avenue NW between Second Street NW and Third Street NW
Streets will reopen once the parade concludes at 5 p.m.
Charter Bus Parking Zones: Tour bus parking is available at RFK Stadium and designated zones within the District. Specific zones and road closures are posted on the District’s Inauguration web site at http://www.gettingthere.dc.gov/. Streets around the bus parking areas will be closed to private automobile traffic and will be posted as Emergency No Parking zones beginning at 3 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 19. Generally, these areas include:
- RFK Stadium
- 12th Street NW to 22nd Street and K Street NW to P Street NW
- First Street NE to 6th Street NW and New York Avenue to H Street NW
- Designated areas in Southwest and Southeast
Virginia Vehicular Restrictions
All vehicular road restrictions will be coordinated between the Virginia State Police, the Virginia Department of Transportation and local jurisdictions. On Jan. 20, personal vehicles will not be permitted into Washington, D.C., from Virginia.
- I-395 north will be closed to general traffic. As a result, northbound I-95 traffic will be diverted onto I-495 North (Inner Loop) or I-495/I-95 East (Outer Loop) at the Springfield interchange.
- Eastbound I-66 lanes east of the Capital Beltway/I-495 will be closed to general traffic. Eastbound traffic on I-66 will also be diverted onto I-495
- Only authorized vehicles – emergency vehicles, buses, taxis, and for-hire limos and car services, -- will be permitted on I-395 North and I-66 East within the Beltway beginning at 3 a.m. and continuing until about 7 p.m. on Inauguration Day.
- Memorial Bridge will be open to pedestrian traffic only. No motor vehicles will be permitted to cross the bridges.
- Key Bridge is restricted to mass transit only
- Chain Bridge is restricted to authorized vehicles and mass transit only, no charter buses.
- The Woodrow Wilson and the American Legion bridges will have no traffic restrictions.
- North Washington Street at Montgomery Street (City of Alexandria City) to Reagan National Airport will be closed.
U.S. Park Police Closures
The following vehicular road closures will be coordinated by the U.S. Park Police. On Jan. 20:
- The George Washington Memorial Parkway will be closed in both directions from I-495 to the 14th Street Bridge.
- Buses and authorized vehicles traveling to Washington Reagan National Airport via I-395 may exit onto southbound George Washington Memorial Parkway for the airport only. All other traffic will need to use Route 1 or mass transit to access the airport.
- Buses and authorized vehicles will be allowed to exit Washington Reagan National Airport onto northbound George Washington Memorial Parkway to enter the District of Columbia via the 14th Street Bridge. All other traffic will be allowed to exit the airport via Route 1 or southbound George Washington Memorial Parkway.
Maryland Transportation Information
While there are no anticipated road closures or restrictions in Maryland, officials are discouraging individuals from driving into the District and encouraging the use of mass transit. The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration is supporting Inaugural activities by:
- Conducting extended emergency traffic patrols along interstate and primary highways approaching the National Capital Region
- Providing real time traffic public information by means of Dynamic Message Signs (DMS), Highway Advisory Radios (HAR), and CHART (Coordinated Highways Action Response Team) on the Web
- Assisting motorists and removing abandoned and disabled vehicles from travel lanes and reporting on travel conditions
- Providing traffic control support to conduct ramp closures and other operations warranted to maintain traffic
- Log onto http://www.marylandtransportation.com/ for transit and travel information
Public Transportation
Public transportation to all Inaugural events is encouraged as many streets in and around the Capitol and the Mall area and bridges into/out of the city will be closed to private automobiles for much of the day.
Metrorail will operate rush hour service for 17 consecutive hours on Jan. 20, from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m., and will operate on a non-rush hour schedule for two extra hours until 2 a.m. As Metrorail will be operating rush-hour service, it will charge peak fares throughout the day. Due to security measures, the Archives-Navy Memorial/Penn Quarter Metrorail station on Metro's Green and Yellow Lines and the Smithsonian Metrorail station on the Blue and Orange lines, will be closed through the parade on Inauguration Day. Those stations will reopen at about 6:30 p.m.
Metro’s commemorative One-Day Pass with a special Inauguration design is currently being sold for $10 online or $7.80 at Metro sales offices and fare vending machines. The cost of the passes will be $10 at all sales locations on Jan. 20. People should purchase their farecards, One-Day Passes or SmarTrip cards in advance of Inauguration Day if possible to avoid the lines.
Metro has about 60,000 parking spaces in 29 lots and 22 garages throughout the Washington region for private motorists to park on Inauguration Day. Metro will charge $4 cash only for motorists as they pull in to park in its lots. The Minnesota Avenue Metrorail station parking lot is closed to the public and is only available for Metro employees who will be working on Inauguration Day.
Metrobus will be operating on a modified Saturday schedule from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Inauguration Day. However, with street closures around the National Mall and Pennsylvania Avenue for the parade, all Metrobuses will be prepared for detours. Bus riders are encouraged to plan significant extra time to travel through these areas.
MetroAccess will operate identical hours to Metrorail and Metrobus during Inauguration Weekend and through Inauguration Day. MetroAccess customers are encouraged to plan significant extra time to travel due to increased traffic throughout the service area. Street closures around the National Mall and Pennsylvania Avenue for the Inauguration and parade on Inauguration Day will mean that MetroAccess vehicles will only be able to drop off customers several blocks from the Inauguration and parade route. MetroAccess vehicles will not be permitted access to streets that are closed. All MetroAccess users should be prepared for detours. MetroAccess customers must reserve their trips by 4:30 p.m. the day prior to travel.
Metro officials expect extremely crowded conditions on Inauguration Day. Metrorail stations and trains will be packed as people head to the Inauguration, and expect to see even tighter conditions afterward. Expect the crowds to be huge with hundreds of thousands of people expected to be in the nation's capital not only for Inauguration Day, but for the days preceding it as well.
Metro says more than 100 police officers from 14 transit agencies will help with security during the inauguration. They will be joined by federal law enforcement and local police departments.
Several hundred volunteers also will assist customers who are unfamiliar with Metro. They will hand out maps and help customers with fare machines.
To help alleviate crowding on trains, Metro will run 22 dedicated bus routes to downtown along major corridors in D.C., Maryland and Virginia.
People planning to use Metro during the four days of Inaugural activities can sign up for special e-alerts on Metro’s Web site at file://www.wmata.com/inauguration. E-alerts will be issued when Metro has news relating to service for the Inauguration and when there may be service disruptions.
Charter Vehicles
Transportation and security planners anticipate up to 10,000 private buses carrying 500,000 participants to Washington, D.C., for the Inaugural events. DDOT has designated parking zones for buses throughout the metro area. From these areas, riders will be able to walk, take Metro or, in limited cases, take shuttle buses to the Inaugural events. Charter buses will not be able to park and/or drop off passengers at any Metro station in Washington D.C., Virginia, or Maryland.
All those who plan to travel the District of Columbia during Inauguration Week via chartered buses, motor carriers, etc., must obtain a Trip Permit from the District Department of Motor Vehicles and must sign up for a parking pass at designated parking sites.
Registration for permit and parking for charter buses must be completed no later than Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009. No registrations will be accepted after this date. Additional information and registration is available at www.bus.dc.gov.
Pedestrian Routes
The following access points have been identified as pedestrian-only routes to the National Mall:
- E Street NE from Massachusetts Avenue NE to 3rd Street NW
- 7th Street SW from D Street SW to Independence Avenue SW
- 19th Street NW from K Street NW to DuPont Circle NW
- 3rd Street Tunnel (I-395) from New York Avenue NW to SE/SW Freeway
- Arlington Memorial Bridge from Virginia, around Lincoln Circle to Independence Avenue SW
- East Capitol Street NE to North Carolina SE to New Jersey Avenue SE to I Street SE
The following access points have been identified as pedestrian-only routes to the Inaugural Parade:
- 6th Street NW from K Street NW to P Street NW
- 13th Street NW from K Street NW to Logan Circle NW
- East Capitol Street NE to Massachusetts Avenue NE
- Arlington Memorial Bridge from Virginia, around Lincoln Circle to Henry Bacon Drive NW
Bicycle Parking
Free valet bicycle parking will be provided in designated areas north and south of the event perimeter. Additional information may be found at www.gettingthere.dc.gov.
Inaugural Balls
There will be 10 official Inaugural balls, hosted at the Washington Convention Center, the National Building Museum, Union Station, the D.C. Armory and the Washington Hilton. Emergency No Parking zones and some road closures will be in effect near each of these locations.
Online Information
Additional information is available online for residents of the District, Virginia and Maryland, as well as charter operators, through the following websites:
- DDOT – http://www.gettingthere.dc.gov/
- Maryland Department of Transportation – http://www.marylandtransportation.com/
- Virginia State Police – http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Inauguration_2009.shtm
- Washington Area Metropolitan Transit Authority – www.wmata.com
- NBCWashington.com Traffic Section – http://www.nbcwashington.com/traffic_autos/
- Traffic Cams on Your Cell Phone/PDA – http://www.freetrafficcams.com/washington
- NBCWashington.com Inauguration Guide – http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Inauguration_Guide.html
In addition, Inaugural information is available on the following sites to help those planning to attend the inaugural events:
- Presidential Inaugural Committee – http://www.pic2009.org/
- D.C. Presidential Inaugural Committee – http://www.inauguration.dc.gov/
- Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies – http://www.inaugural.senate.gov/
- Armed Forces Inaugural Committee – http://www.afic.northcom.mil/
- United States Secret Service – www.secretservice.gov
Virginia Traffic Alerts
Virginia State Police, the Virginia Department of Transportation and the Department of Rail and Public Transportation are preparing for thousands of buses and vehicles to travel through Virginia for the inauguration, and urge visitors to know what to expect before leaving home to ensure a safe and less stressful trip.
“We urge motorists – whether traveling by bus, van or car – to plan their route well in advance, know what bridges and roads will be restricted and where they will park, make sure their vehicle is in top operating condition, travel with a full tank of gas and prepare for long delays and a lot of walking,” said Col. W. Steven Flaherty, Virginia State Police Superintendent.
Road and Bridge Restrictions
Beginning at 2 a.m. Jan. 20, personal vehicles (cars, SUVs, pickups, vans, etc.) will not be allowed to enter Washington from Virginia. Those driving are encouraged to seek out public transportation to access the District on Inauguration Day. (See Public Transit Resources for more information). Personal vehicles will only be able to enter Washington by driving in from designated Maryland routes.
Beginning at 3 a.m. Jan. 20, only authorized vehicles – emergency vehicles, buses, taxis, and for-hire limos and car services – will be permitted to travel northbound on Interstate 395 and eastbound on Interstate 66 inside the Capital Beltway/I-495. Buses include transit and commuter buses, chart and tour buses, school buses, church buses, airport and hotel buses, and cutaways and large vans -- any passenger transport vehicle designed to seat 16 or more including the driver. All other traffic heading to Washington on Interstate 95 will be diverted at the Springfield interchange (Exits 170B and 170C) onto I-495 North (Inner Loop) or I-495/I-95 East (Outer Loop). All general traffic traveling eastbound on I-66 and toward Washington on the Dulles Toll Road will also be diverted to the Capital Beltway/I-495.
Only authorized vehicles will be allowed to cross the 14th Street Bridge, Roosevelt Bridge and Key Bridge, all of which lead from Virginia into Washington, D.C.
Security and transportation officials said pedestrians will now be allowed to use all bridges from Virginia into D.C. on Inauguration Day. An earlier plan allowed pedestrians to use the Memorial and Chain bridges. Now, they can run, walk, bike or Segway across the Key, 14th Street and Roosevelt bridges, as long as they remain in the walk/bike paths and on sidewalks, officials say.
To augment patrols and expedite emergency response along Interstates 95, 66 and 495, Virginia State Police will be bringing in several hundred troopers from around the state to the Northern Virginia region. Increases in manpower and resources will begin Monday, Jan. 19, and continue through Wednesday, Jan. 21.
Due to the “We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial” Opening Celebration concert on Sunday, bridge closures and restrictions will be in place. The Theodore Roosevelt Bridge will be closed to inbound traffic from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastbound I-66 traffic will be detoured to the 14th Street Bridge via Route 110 and I-395. Pedestrians can cross on the sidewalk. The Memorial Bridge will be closed to all cehicular and pedestrian traffic, meaning concertgoers will not be able to get to the concert from the Arlington Cemetery Metro exit.
Water Taxis Available
The U.S. Coast Guard said it has approved water taxi service from Virginia to D.C. on Inauguration Day.
The Inaugural Water Taxi will be provided by the Potomac Riverboat Co., for $90 roundtrip or $50 one way. The taxi will depart from the Alexandria City Marina at Union and Cameron streets in Old Town Alexandria and arrive at the Southwest Waterfront's Pier 4, at 600 Water St. in D.C.
Officials said passengers will disembark one mile from the National Mall and the nearest entrance for ticket-holders to President-elect Barack Obama's swearing-in ceremony.
Timed tickets go on sale Monday at www.inauguralwatertaxi.com.
I-95/395 HOV Schedule
- From 4 p.m. Saturday, January 17 until 3 a.m. Tuesday, January 20, the I-395/95 HOV lanes will be northbound for vehicles carrying three or more people (HOV-3).
- From 3 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, only buses and authorized vehicles will be permitted to use the I-95/395 HOV lanes from Route 234/Dumfries to Washington.
- The I-95/395 HOV lanes will open to HOV-3 traffic at 5 a.m. Wednesday, January 21.
- The I-95/395 HOV lanes will be open southbound for HOV-3 vehicles from 8 p.m. Tuesday, January 20, until 3 a.m. Wednesday, January 21, and from 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 21, until 9 p.m. or later.
I-66, Dulles Toll Road and Dulles Connector Road HOV Schedule
- From 4 p.m. Saturday, January 17, until 3 a.m. Tuesday, January 20, HOV-2 will be in effect eastbound.
- From 3 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, January 20, only buses and authorized vehicles will be allowed to use the eastbound HOV lanes.
- From 4 p.m. Tuesday, January 20, until 9 p.m. Wednesday, January 21, HOV-2 will be in effect westbound.
VDOT will help motorists by:
- Pre-treating ramps, bridges and critical locations on highways and major commuter routes with anti-icing chemicals regardless of the forecast. Major commuter lots in Northern Virginia will also be pre-treated.
- Suspending all lane closures in Virginia for construction or maintenance work on Interstates 66, 95, 395 and 495. In addition, lane closures will be suspended on heavily traveled roads in Northern Virginia to include Routes 1, 7, 28, 50, 234, 236, the Dulles Toll Road, Fairfax County Parkway and Prince William Parkway. This restriction will be in effect from Friday, January 16, until noon, Wednesday, January 21.
- Providing portable toilets at the I-66 and I-95 rest areas in Northern Virginia and Fredericksburg.
- Doubling the number of safety service patrols on the interstates on January 20. Forty patrollers will be pre-positioned and available to assist stranded motorists and provide traffic control. The patrol wears bright, highly visible uniforms and drives specially equipped pickup trucks.
- Re-timing traffic signals on major routes as needed to keep traffic moving as best possible.
- Staging seven wreckers at locations along interstates to remove disabled vehicles.
Motorists can stay informed by:
- Calling 511 from a land line or a cell phone for the latest traffic and travel information. Drivers are reminded to only dial 911 or #77 on a cellular phone in emergency situations.
- Tuning into Virginia’s highway advisory radio for information on delays and possible detours due to accidents or congestion.
- Getting the latest traffic conditions and travel times on overhead and roadside message signs on I-95, 495, 66 and 81, and Route 29.
- Carrying an emergency kit in their vehicles to include an ice scraper and brush, wiper fluid, blankets, extra warm clothing, a bag of sand or cat litter; flashlight and cell phone, with extra batteries for each; jumper cables; water, snacks, paper towels and a first aid kit.
Public Transit Resources
Metrorail, Virginia Railway Express (VRE) and Amtrak are primary transportation choices for travel from Virginia to Washington, D.C., on Inauguration Day. VRE will begin routes into Washington at 5:05 a.m. and route out of the city at 1:30 p.m. Tickets were available in advance by mail order but both the Manassas and Fredericksburg lines are sold out. Amrtak's trains from Virginia to D.C. are sold out, but that is subject to reservations changing. For more information on Metrorail and VRE access and availability, visit their Web sites at http://www.wmata.com/ and http://www.vre.org/.
Currently, Amtrak trains from Virginia to Washington, DC that will serve the Inauguration Day events are sold out. However, tickets may become available as reservations change. Visit Amtrak’s Web site at http://www.amtrak.com/ for information on ticket availability.
The Commonwealth is also working with Virginia transit operators to finalize plans for bus service. Details will be available soon.
Loudoun County commuter buses will have a special Inauguration Day schedule with free service to the West Falls Church Metro Station.
All Fairfax Connector passengers will get free rides on Inauguration Day. Officials are urging people to park for free at Fairfax County Park and Ride lots and take the Fairfax Connector to a Metrorail station. The Fairfax Connector will operate on an enhanced Saturday schedule with more trips, additional routes and service from 4 a.m. until midnight.
The following Metrorail stations will get enhanced Connector service:
- Huntington: Routes 101, 109, 151, 152, 161, 162, 171
- Franconia-Springfield: Routes 171, 310, 321, 322, 401
- Van Dorn Street: Routes 109, 321, 322
- Dunn Loring: Route 401
- West Falls Church: Routes 425, 427, 505, 551, 585, 950 and 980
Also, Connector Routes 574, 605 and RIBS 1, 2, 3 and 4, which all transfer to buses that serve Metro stations, will operate on Jan. 20.
These Park and Rides service Metrorail stations in Fairfax County:
- Backlick North: Route 310
- Herndon Monroe Park and Ride: Routes 551, 950, 980
- Lorton Market Street: Route 171
- Michael's, Richmond Highway: Route 171
- Reston East: Routes 505, 551
- Reston North: Route 505
- Reston South: Route 585
- Rolling Valley: Route 310
- Springfield Mall: Routes 321, 322, 401
- VRE Backlick Road Station: Routes 321, 322, 401
- VRE Lorton Station: Route 171
Maryland Traffic Alerts
Gov. Martin O’Malley provided an update on the development of Maryland’s transportation plan that will be in place for events surrounding the inauguration.
“We want people planning to attend the Inaugural festivities to have a positive experience as our nation celebrates this historic event,” O'Malley said. “Key to making this a positive experience is planning ahead and having a full understanding of the transportation options available. It also is important to recognize the challenges such a large event will pose to our transportation network.”
No matter what mode of transportation attendees may be planning to use, movement in and out of Washington, D.C., and the surrounding area on Inauguration Day is expected to be extremely challenging. The region’s transit systems will be operating at capacity, travel on the road network in and out of the Washington, D.C., area will be severely restricted, and parking will be very limited.
In addition, those attending the events on Inauguration day should be aware of the following:
- Charter buses will be the only vehicles allowed to park within walking distance of the event.
- Due to the security restrictions in and around the National Mall, all the access roads into and around the Mall will be tightly controlled.
- Passenger car and commercial vehicle traffic will be restricted in downtown Washington, D.C.
- Many routes in the Washington region will only be open to buses and pedestrians.
- Event organizers are warning of the potential of long waits at transit stations and security checkpoints.
- Attendees must also be aware of weather conditions on the day of the event and plan accordingly.
“Transit is the best alternative,” said Maryland Transportation Secretary John D. Porcari. “It is important for everyone to understand that driving your personal car to Washington and finding a parking space will be like winning the lottery. The better option is MARC, our MTA commuter bus service and the Washington Metrorail system. The advice to all is: plan ahead, arrive early, be prepared to walk and be patient.”
Special MARC commuter rail service and MTA commuter bus service will operate on Inauguration Day. The Metro system in Washington will operate a full schedule. Details are listed below:
MARC
- MARC will operate inbound trains from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and outbound trains from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Reserved tickets had to be purchased in advance. No tickets will be sold on Inauguration Day.
- Round trip tickets are $25.
- Advantage of MARC is that it drops you at Union Station, three blocks from the Capitol.
- Tickets for all lines have sold out. MTA commuter bus is now the preferred option.
- For information go to http://www.mtamaryland.com/ and click on the inauguration icon.
MTA Commuter Bus
- MTA commuter buses will operate from 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and then from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- 9,000 tickets will be available on the day of the Inauguration for the commuter bus service.
- MTA commuter buses will operate between park and ride lots at specified locations across the state and suburban Washington Metro stations.
- Customers can then board Metro to the downtown Washington, D.C., area.
- Tickets are $10 for a round trip on the bus. Metro fare will be additional at the Metro station.
- Park and Ride lots offering MTA commuter bus service include: Frederick (Monocacy Park & Ride) to Shady Grove every 30 minutes, Columbia (Broken Land Park & Ride) to Greenbelt every 30 minutes, Scaggsville/Burtonsville to Silver Spring every 30 minutes, Annapolis to New Carrollton every 30 minutes, Kent Island to New Carrollton every 60 minutes, Prince Frederick/Dunkirk to Branch Avenue every 30 minutes, Upper Marlboro to Branch Avenue every 30 minutes, Charlotte Hall to Branch Avenue every 30 minutes, Waldorf (Blue Crabs Stadium) to Branch Avenue every 20 minutes
- For more information on the commuter bus service, go to http://www.mtamaryland.com/ and click on the Inauguration icon.
Maryland State Highway Administration
- Travel by personal vehicle is NOT recommended as the preferred travel option for those headed to Washington, D.C., on Inauguration Day.
- Many roads will be closed and street parking will be severely restricted by law enforcement.
- Parking close to the Mall will not be available.
- The only general parking that will possibly be available is in outlying areas near Metro stations.
- Parking at suburban Maryland Metro stations is expected to fill up early due to limited capacity and high demand.
- Allow significant additional travel time to move around the Washington region.
- Traffic delays throughout the day could far exceed those experienced during the region’s peak rush hours.
- The State Highway Administration and the Maryland State Police will keep Maryland roads into Washington, D.C., open to the District line to serve the residents and businesses along those corridors.
- Maryland’s High Occupancy Vehicle Lane (HOV) restrictions along I-270 and US 50 WILL BE in effect Jan. 19-20.
- For safety reasons, SHA and the Maryland State Police will be prepared to close ramps from the Maryland’s portion of the Capital Beltway to local roads if traffic backs up onto freeways.
- The Maryland State Police will tow immediately any abandoned or illegally parked
- vehicles along state and interstate routes.
- SHA will have extra emergency traffic patrols throughout the region to assist motorists with disabled vehicles.
- SHA will utilize its electronic highway sign network, highway advisory radio stations, its website at www.marylandroads/CHART and an aggressive communication outreach effort to local media outlets to provide up to date travel information for the Washington region.
- Messages will be posted on electronic message signs throughout the I-95 corridor to the north and south of the Washington region to alert travelers not destined for Washington, D.C., to avoid the area and use alternative routes.
- Alternative routes include: I-81 to the west and I-97, US 301 and US 13 to the east.
Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
- Passengers arriving at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport destined for Washington, D.C., will have the ability to obtain transportation information from an army of volunteers that will be at information desks located throughout the terminal.
- The airport’s regularly scheduled shuttle service operating between the terminal and the BWI Amtrak/MARC station will be increased to meet demand, if necessary.
- Operations professionals at BWI Thurgood Marshall have been working with the Federal Aviation Administration, the airlines and general aviation interests to coordinate an expected increase in air traffic related to the Inauguration.
- Metro will run additional buses from Friday, January 16 through Wednesday, January 21 on the B30 Route, which operates between BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport and the Greenbelt Metrorail station. Metro will operate the B30 on a weekday enhanced schedule with buses running every 15-20 minutes.
For updated information on Maryland transportation plans for the 2009 Inaugural citizens can visit www.marylandtransportation.com and click on the Inauguration icon on the home page. Information and links to key web pages are available that will provide specific transportation information.
Copyright Associated Press / NBC Washington
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