The region will face a test run today of what to expect on roads and trains for Inauguration Day, as thousands of people turn out for the inaugural kickoff ceremonies at the Lincoln Memorial featuring such big-name acts as Beyonce, Bruce Springsteen and Bono.
But as with Tuesday, those attending today’s 2:30 p.m. concert should expect travel challenges.
Two bridges are closed, as are some streets downtown. Drivers won’t be able to park in many areas around the National Mall. Metro riders should expect packed trains and detoured buses even though Metro will be running extra trains as it does on July 4.
Here’s what those attending need to know to get around:
Metro:
» Metrorail runs from 7 a.m. until midnight, with extra trains running at least every six minutes from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
» Metrobus and MetroAccess will operate on regular schedules, but riders may face delays because of crowded roads and detours. Metro has created a Web site detailing planned but short-term bus detours as streets close leading up to and during the inauguration: www.wmata.com/bus/metrobus_detours_new.cfm.
» Stations: Pedestrians will not be able to access the inaugural welcoming event from the Arlington Cemetery Metro exit because of bridge closures. Instead, those attending the concert can use L’Enfant Plaza, Archives, Farragut North, Metro Center, Farragut West, Federal Center or Smithsonian.
» Fares and parking: Metro is charging off-peak fares and offering free parking in its lots as usual on Sunday. But cars may not park overnight.
» Airports: Metro will offer extra bus service between Washington Dulles International Airport and Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport on the 5A and B30 routes, respectively.
Bridges:
The Memorial and Theodore Roosevelt bridges will be closed to passenger vehicles. The Memorial Bridge also will be closed to pedestrians.
Roads:
» From 5 a.m. to 5 p.m., a large section northwest of the Mall and adjacent to the White House will be closed, including from 17th to 23rd streets along Constitution Avenue.
» From 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., 23rd Street at Constitution Avenue and Henry Bacon Drive will be closed.
» Some areas will be restricted to residents only, who have a valid photo ID.
Parking:
Parking will be restricted around the Mall. But parking and shuttle service to the Mall will be available at RFK Stadium. The shuttle will run from Lot 8 to Independence Avenue between Seventh and Ninth streets.
Concert entrances:
» Ticketed guests may enter at Henry Bacon Drive near Constitution Avenue.
» Entrances for the public are at Constitution Avenue at 19th Street, Virginia Avenue; 17th Street at North/South Elm Walk; Independence Avenue at the D.C. War Memorial.
Restrictions:
Concertgoers cannot bring the following items onto the grounds of Lincoln Memorial: firearms or weapons of any kind, aerosols, coolers, thermal or glass containers, backpacks, bicycles, animals other than service dogs, packages, supports for signs.
Stay updated:
» All road closure times are subject to change, so check inauguration.dc.gov for updates.
» Metro riders can sign up for e-alerts that send text messages via e-mail or cell phones, detailing service changes during the inauguration: www.wmata.com/inauguration.
