The Mideast peace conference in Annapolis on Tuesday could resolve the conflict between Israel and Palestine abroad, but commuters are expected to feel its impact here on traffic.
“We?re in the 21st century with 18th-century streets,” said Bob Burdon, president of the Annapolis and Anne Arundel Chamber of Commerce.
Traffic will be greatly affected, as international leaders and protesters converge at the U.S. Naval Academy for the one-day Middle East peace conference.
“We?re not telling people to stay away … but there will be a lot of people protesting and lot of activity,” said Ray Weaver, Annapolis city government spokesman.
Annapolis has posted road closures, which are mostly isolated to streets near the academy. Major city thoroughfares, such as Main Street, Rowe Boulevard and Church Circle, are still open.
But temporary closures for motorcades could happen without notice, officials said. Because of the heightened security and the dignitaries involved, officials are mum on details.
Traffic would likely stop for the arrival and departure of President Bush, who is expected to give opening remarks at the conference.
Weaver said Annapolis is used to large crowds ? be it General Assembly sessions, Navy football games or the annual boat shows.
The State Highway Administration has not been notified of closures for Route 50 or Interstate 97 but is not expected to know until they happen, said SHA spokesman David Buck.
“Avoid the area as much as possible, and if [you] do go on Route 50, be cognizant of short-term traffic effects,” he said.
Those who jog through the U.S. Naval Academy campus or come to watch meal-time formations at Bancroft Hall will be stymied by guards. The academy is closing its grounds to the public today and Tuesday, and some academy events might be hampered by the conference.
However, midshipmen still will be required to attend class, academy officials said.
Although getting around Annapolis might be troublesome, businesses are looking forward to the added exposure and international clientele.
“The business community is used to this kind of influx, but we see a benefit from the peace conference and we?re ready to meet that opportunity,” Burdon said.
ROAD CLOSURES
These roads will be closed to traffic and parking starting at 7 a.m. Tuesday:
» King George Street from Maryland Avenue to Gate 1 of the U.S. Naval Academy
» Randall Street from Prince George Street to Gate 1
» East Street from Martin to King George streets
Source: City of Annapolis
