Secret Service Will Close VA Bridges on Jan 20

Probably not a lot of people will care about this, but it's big news here. The Secret Service announed it will close all bridges from VA into DC on Jan. 20th except for buses, taxis, and other public transportation. If you live in VA, you'll have to take a cab or bike or walk. A few bridges are even closed to pedestrians. IOW, no bridges from VA into DC will be open for people driving their car. If you want to drive into DC, you'll have to drive into MD first.

None of the bridges from MD into DC are closed!

This seems excessive imo. I know there will be a lot of traffic going into DC that day, but this is over the top and seems to be making it hard for those of us who live in VA to attend (not that I want to but I'm sure many do).

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/08/AR2009010803900_pf.html

 

I think so. I know there are still ways to get into MD from VA, but I am thinking not those bridges. The article was specific and had a map but I can't recall all the details.

I think it's wrong to close all those bridges to private vehicles - it's quite a few bridges. They could leave at least one open.

 

Yes, I'm wondering if it's that.

As far as I know, neither state contributed to the inauguration. Some private inaugural parties are being held in No. VA (and maybe in MD - not sure), but they are not contributing to anything in DC.

I wouldn't want this job either. But the freedom of Americans to see a president inaugurated needs to be balanced with protection of the president. The U.S. has always prided itself on the fact the president doesn't hide away somewhere, totally inaccessible (we've had to be more careful as time goes by, however) like in other countries where the leaders are far away from the people.

The Wash Post reported that some were speculating that VA was being punished for their Confederate past, but I really don't think that's it. That would be ridiculous. Most people in No. VA are from other places, not from VA.

 

No, it's all the bridges!! All of them! I read the whole article and looked at the map.

I think that's the Memorial Bridge or maybe Roosevelt. I've been over it quite a few times but never paid attention to the name. It's one of those. When I worked in DC, I took Metro so I didn't drive. However, I have driven into DC quite a few times.

The Key Bridge that goes into Georgetown is closed - Memorial, Roosevelt, the 14th Street bridge - all of them. Closed to private vehicles, that is. A few are closed to bicycle riders and pedestrians.

 

Beginning at 2 a.m. Tuesday, January 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 2 a.m. Tuesday, January 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. 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. The Memorial Bridge and Chain Bridge will be open to pedestrians only.

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, January 19, and continue through Wednesday, January 21.
Source
http://www.wfls.com/News/FLS/2009/012009/01082009/1231407923