Presidential Inauguration - January 20, 2009

Arlington is proud to be a part of this historic moment for our nation – and is focused on ensuring as many people as possible can get to Inaugural events safely. Because bridges and some major roadways will restrict access to personal vehicles, walking, biking, and public transit are the best ways to get where you need to go. 

• 14th Street Bridge has been closed to pedestrians. Use Memorial and Key Bridge.
• All buses serving Arlington will be free on Inauguration Day (ART and Metrobuses), with expanded service.
• *NEW!* Print-and-go guides on how to get from your neighborhood to Inaugural events.
• *NEW!* Expanded bus service for the Pentagon City and Crystal City areas. See our print-and-go guide for details.
• *NEW!* Advice from WalkArlington on recommended walking routes.

[Note: For closures and schedule changes on Jan. 19 and 20 — Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Inauguration Day — see the  Arlington Holiday Schedule page .]

Updated 1/20/09, 11:11 a.m.

Make a Plan

• Sign up for D.C. Alerts for real-time information about road closures, weather and more.
• Sign up for Arlington Alert . This free service provides real-time safety information and emergency alerts via e-mail, cell phone, pager, BlackBerry or other wireless PDA. Text "1801" to 411911 or go to www.arlingtonalert.com. 
• Tune to 1700AM Arlington, our 24/7 emergency radio station.
• Follow us on Twitter for real-time transportation information.

Be Prepared – For Weather and Crowds

• Dress appropriately -- listen to weather forecasts. Check the Inauguration Day forecast.
• Make sure children attending the events carry contact information. Be sure to include name, address and telephone number.
• Wear warm, comfortable shoes because you will have to walk long distances and stand for long periods of time. See our cold weather tips.
• Consider whether you can stand outside in large crowds for up to six hours.
• Be ready to walk long distances — especially in the District of Columbia — because some Metro stations and roads will be closed.
• Be prepared for extremely crowded buses, trains, roads and highways, and long delays to get where you’re going.
• Bring with you any medications you need because there will be very long delays in getting to and from events.
• Be aware it may be difficult to talk or send pictures from your cell phone, according to wireless companies. Send text messages instead of making calls when possible.