This special edition of the Downtown Update is designed to keep businesses, workers and residents apprised of official Inaugural plans, access to Metro, street closings and security measures. Information surrounding this historic event changes regularly. To assist you in staying on top of relevant updates pertaining to these issues, the Downtown BID will issue an Inaugural alert on January 16 to inform you of official Inaugural plans, access to Metro, street closings and security measures. To sign up to receive the Downtown Inauguration Alert by email, and for links to Inaugural information, visit www.downtowndc.org/inaugural.

Restaurants that have submitted special Inaugural hours to the Downtown BID are profiled at: www.downtowndc.org/inaugural-dining. The list will be continuously updated as information becomes available.

We’re also providing links to the primary agencies and organizations that have the most accurate and up-to-date details and activities listed. We hope this special edition will prove to be helpful as everyone works to smooth the path to the 56th Presidential Inauguration.

Welcoming the Masses
This month, the world will descend on Downtown DC to ceremoniously induct the nation’s 44th president, Barack Obama. City and federal officials estimate 2 million people will turn out for the Inauguration ceremonies on January 20, although 4 million to 5 million will likely pass through the area in the days leading up to the induction. This is the moment for Downtown businesses to show the nation, and the world, what we’re made of.

The Downtown BID already has begun preparations to welcome the masses with open arms and ensure that their experience in the heart of the Nation’s Capital is a pleasant and engaging one. Richard Bradley, executive director, has urged all hospitality and food service businesses to remain open in order to accommodate the crowds that will move through the area en route to the festivities. Office building and property managers also have been asked to encourage their security and maintenance crews to be prepared to guide and assist the many visitors who will traverse the neighborhood throughout the Inaugural weekend.

The Downtown BID’s safety, hospitality and maintenance employees, known as SAMs, will be out in force, armed with information to help move the crowds along and find their destination. The SAMs, who number more than 100, provide a reassuring presence on Downtown streets seven days a week by offering directions; notifying police when trouble arises; escorting workers to their vehicles or public transportation after hours; and removing litter, trash and graffiti.

“Cooperation and patience are needed during this momentous occasion in the history of our nation and our city,” says Bradley. “The Downtown BID is here to help with the best and latest information we have to keep local businesses informed. We encourage you to join us in this effort.”

GETTING AROUND

Inaugural Security Border (click image for expanded view)

Street Closings
On Inauguration Day, there will be a secure zone covering roughly 1.5 miles from K Street and Massachusetts Avenue NW on the north to Independence Avenue NE & NW on the south, and 2nd Street NE on the east to 23rd Street NW on the west. Vehicular traffic will be restricted to law enforcement, permitted buses and residents living within the security zone.

Closures are expected to begin as early as 3:00 pm on Monday, January 19, and remain in place through 7:00 am on Wednesday, January 21. So far, plans call for the following vehicular checkpoints, all on the north side of Pennsylvania Avenue:

• 6th Street & Indiana Avenue
• 8th & F Streets
• 13th & I Streets

At this time, the pedestrian checkpoints are as follows::

• 3rd & C Streets
• 6th & C Streets
• Indiana, between 6th & 7th Streets
• 7th & D Streets
• 7th Street & Constitution Avenue
• Constitution, between 6th & 7th Streets
• 10th & E Streets
• 10th, between Pennsylvania & Constitution Avenues
• 12th & E Streets
• 12th, between Constitution & Pennsylvania Avenues
• 13th & E Streets
• 14th & E Streets

Given security concerns, the US Secret Service stresses that all information is subject to change. Additional information and maps detailing street closings and pedestrian checkpoints will be available through the DC government's website, www.dc.gov/, or from the US Secret Service at www.secretservice.gov/.

The Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington is telling members that the Secret Service can cut off access to the Inaugural ceremonies at any time that day if it feels safety will be compromised by a crush of people. In addition, cell phones might not work due to an expected cell phone traffic gridlock. 

Local businesses can also expect, and plan for, delays in deliveries. Weeks ago, the Hotel Association of Washington, DC, notified members within the Inaugural security area to have food delivered by Sunday, January 18. Some streets along and near Pennsylvania Avenue will be closed on Monday, January 19. Several hotels already have made plans to bring in extra freezers to store food.  Employees may need to start their commutes earlier than normal to beat the crowds and clear security checkpoints. At this time, the Secret Service plans to close the buffer area along the Inaugural Parade route to all pedestrian and vehicular traffic—including delivery trucks—from 5:00 am to 8:00 am on January 20. 

In consideration of public safety, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) says property managers must suspend all non-emergency work in the streets and on sidewalks within the Inaugural boundary. This means all construction materials, including but not limited to equipment and tools—such as traffic signs, cones and barrels—materials, debris and hazardous materials, should be removed safely by 2:00 pm on Friday, January 16, through 7:00 am on Wednesday, January 21. Questions can be directed to the Public Space Management Branch at 202.442.4670.

Security Measures for Residents 
Residents who live within the secure area will be required to show a DC Driver's License that displays their address when entering at vehicular checkpoints.

The Secret Service will have counter snipers positioned on rooftops throughout the area. Residents planning rooftop Inauguration Day parties should contact their property managers and be prepared to provide the names and Social Security numbers of all who plan to attend.   

Transit Schedules
Traveling to and around Downtown on Inauguration Day, January 20, will be a challenge, to say the least. Downtown workers can expect to encounter massive crowds and long delays and should avoid driving. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) says Metrorail riders can expect to wait more than 30 minutes to board a train after the parade, when most people will leave the downtown area.

Metrobus service will operate on a “modified” Saturday schedule from 4:00 am to 9:00 pm. Expect some detours because of street closures around the National Mall, Pennsylvania Avenue and near the US Capitol. Riders should check Metro’s website, www.wmata.com/, to see whether bus routes will be diverted because of last-minute street closures. However, the best transportation option may be your feet. Metro is advising people who live within two to three miles of the Mall to walk.

WMATA will extend Metrorail service hours from 4:00 am on Tuesday, January 20, to 2:00 am on Wednesday, January 21, to accommodate people traveling to the swearing-in, parade and Inaugural balls. This schedule is a one-time privilege only. The transit authority will run regular service throughout the Inaugural festivities, closing at midnight on weekdays and 3:00 am on Friday and Saturday. However, in light of the huge crowds, it will also run unprecedented rush-hour service for 17 consecutive hours on Inauguration Day, from 4:00 am until 9:00 pm. Expect to pay rush-hour fares.

Speaking of fares, WMATA is offering commemorative fare cards that feature President-elect Barack Obama’s photo. The special One-Day Pass is available online for $10 and at Metro sales offices and fare vending machines for $7.80. The cost of the paper passes, which offer unlimited rides, will be $10 at all sales locations on Inauguration Day. Metro is encouraging local residents to purchase them in advance to save money and avoid long lines later. The commemorative SmarTrip cards can also be purchased in advance for $10 each without fare value, or for $20, which includes a $10 fare value loaded onto the card. They work just like the regular SmartTrip cards; they do not offer special fare discounts or unlimited rides. For more information on the commemorative fare cards, visit www.wmata.com/.

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The Biking Option
The Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) is working with local organizations, including the Downtown BID and the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) to provide free bike valet parking areas outside the security perimeter (see map below) for residents and visitors who wish to bike to the Inauguration. Stay tuned for updates by visiting www.waba.org/ or www.inauguration.dc.gov/.

Metrorail Station Closings
The Archives-Navy Memorial/Penn Quarter station on Metro’s Green and Yellow Lines and the Smithsonian station on the Blue and Orange Lines will be closed all day on Inauguration Day.

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Maps
Inauguration Day will involve street closings, security checkpoints and areas closed to non-ticket holders. To help the hospitality industry get the word out to revelers, WMATA has designed a special Inauguration Map. (Limited quantities will be available to individuals in the plastic brochure holders located in Metro stations on the station manager's kiosks). The map and UPS delivery are free, but quantities will be limited and orders will be shipped on a first-come, first-served basis. To obtain maps, contact Cmaden@wmata.com, or fax orders to 202.962.6103 by January 13. Specify in all communication that you are requesting inauguration maps, how many you require and your street address. The minimum order number is 30. Shipments will arrive the week before Inauguration Day.

PRIMARY RESOURCES

Keeping Up With Plans
Inaugural plans and information are subject to change because of the volatile nature of security and other issues related to such a historic and massive event. You can stay on top of the latest Inaugural news by visiting the following websites:

DC Government: City officials have a special website devoted to information about the events surrounding the Presidential Inauguration, including closures, transportation, security measures and lodging. Visitors to the website can also map a virtual parade route and sign up for real-time text messaging alerts. http://www.inauguration.dc.gov/.

US Secret Service: Under the leadership of the US Department of Homeland Security, the Secret Service is working with local, state and federal public safety officers to plan security for the Presidential Inauguration. The agency’s website has information on road closures and Metro, security screenings, prohibited items, security screening entry points, air security and water security. www.secretservice.gov/.

Presidential Inaugural Committee: The legal entity that raises and disburses funds for events surrounding the Presidential Inauguration also is responsible for planning official Inaugural events. PIC offers a website where users can check the Inaugural schedule, review press releases, sign-up for email updates and to volunteer for events, make a donation, and much more. www.pic2009.org/.

Destination DC: Tons of information about transportation, hotels, events and volunteer opportunities are available at www.washington.org/inauguration.

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority: People can sign up to receive special e-alerts, which will be issued when Metro has news relating to service for the Inauguration, and, perhaps more importantly, when there may be service disruptions during the course of the four-day Inauguration weekend. www.wmata.com/inauguration.

Downtown BID: Sign up to receive “Inaugural Alerts”—periodic notices sent by the Downtown BID to keep you informed about Inaugural plans: www.downtowndc.org/inaugural.

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