Fortress DC: Capitol locked down a week ahead of inauguration Print this article
Washington, D.C., has many of the looks of a war zone.
In an unprecedented move, the government and private sector have partnered to lock down the district ahead of next week s inauguration.
Normal security precautions for an inauguration entail blocking off streets near several locations a couple of days in advance. This year, neighborhoods near the White House, Capitol Hill, and in between the two famous buildings have transitioned into fenced-in city blocks where residents cannot drive out of apartment building garages or even walk outside without expecting to be questioned by police.
Several Bridges Between DC and Virginia Closing
Several bridges between Washington, D.C., and Virginia will be closed for the inauguration next week.
The National Parks Service and U.S. Park Police said Arlington Memorial Bridge was shut down in both directions at 6 p.m. Friday and will remain closed through at least 6 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 21.
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, U.S. Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, and U.S. Reps. Don Beyer, Gerry Connolly, and Jennifer Wexton, all Democrats, announced that in an agreement between Virginia and the U.S. Secret Service, Theodore Roosevelt Bridge, Interstate 395 Bridge and 14th Street Bridge will be closed to vehicles and pedestrians in both directions from 6 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19, through 6 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 21.
Metro announced service adjustments, including the closure of 13 rail stations, inside the expanded Inauguration security perimeter ahead of the event next Wednesday. The following rail stations will be closed beginning Friday through end-of-service Thursday, Jan. 21 (Metro Center and Gallery Place will be closed beginning Saturday): Red Line: Farragut North, Judiciary Square, Union Station […]