Preparations for the 60th US Presidential Inauguration, scheduled to take place Monday, Jan. 20 at the US Capitol Complex, are bringing increased security measures, parking restrictions and traffic pattern changes to the District.
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) spoke alongside several local and federal law enforcement partners Monday morning about the District’s increased security posture and what residents can expect over the next week.
Inauguration Events
Several events, some open to the public, will impact traffic, parking and public transit beginning Saturday, Jan. 18, through Tuesday, Jan. 21. These events include a Trump/Vance “Victory Rally” at Capital One Arena (601 F St. NW) at 3 p.m Jan. 19. The inauguration ceremony and inaugural address take place at the US Capitol Complex at 12 p.m Jan. 20, followed by a parade and a Service of Prayer for the Nation at the Washington National Cathedral (3101 Wisconsin Ave NW) the next day, at 11 a.m Jan. 21.
Several inaugural balls, g ceremonies, receptions and public demonstrations are also scheduled to take place throughout the weekend.
A Heightened Security Stance
The US Secret Service is “leading” the security efforts for this year’s inauguration events and activities, Bowser reported. She recognized the efforts of the District’s law enforcement partners during the two National Special Security Events (NSSE) last week and expressed confidence in the teams’ ability to ensure a safe, peaceful transition of power next week.
Fencing and concrete barriers will “remain up” while additional fencing will supplement the current security posture in and around the Capitol and White House in the coming days, according to Chief of the United States Capitol Police (US), J. Thomas Manger.
According to Manger, law enforcement anticipates nearly 250,000 ticketed attendees at the inaugural ceremony in addition to “a number of demonstrations” that could see 10,000 to 15,000 people gather throughout the downtown area on both Saturday, Jan. 18, and Monday, Jan. 20.
Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office David Sundberg reported that the department is “not currently tracking any specific or credible threats” to the inauguration or to the Capitol Complex. However, he encouraged the public to remain vigilant throughout the weekend.
Transportation and Parking
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) will be open 4 a.m. to 12 a.m. on inauguration day. Many stations will have limited hours before, during and after the inauguration and riders should expect significant crowding. The following stations will be closed from Sunday, Jan. 19, at 8 p.m. to Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 5 a.m:
- Mherson Square
- Federal Triangle
- Smithsonian
- Mt. Vernon Square
- Archives
Parking restrictions and road closures will go into effect Sunday morning and remain in place through Tuesday, Jan. 21. Bowser encouraged residents and visitors to plan ahead, allow extra time for travel and utilize public transit options whenever possible.
The following roads will be closed and/or restricted to parking Sunday Jan. 19 through Tuesday Jan. 21:
Visit inauguration.dc.gov or text DCINAUG to 888777 for updates on road closures, traffic and more.
Sarah Payne is a reporter for Capital Community News. She can be reached at [email protected].
