President-Elect Donald Trump will take the oath of office Friday and it will garner the attention of the world. The nation’s capital is expected to be packed with people traveling from all over to get there.
Washington D.C. is about a three-and-a-half hour drive from Virginia Beach and Norfolk, according to Google Maps. Feel like making the drive?
Here are some travel tips from the Virginia State Police and the Virginia Department of Transportation for planning ahead.
Statewide road restrictions
- I-395 HOV northbound lanes will close at 3 a.m. on Jan. 20. HOV lanes on I-395 will re-open southbound upon the conclusion of the inaugural parade.
- HOV restrictions will be lifted on I-66, as well as on I-395 when the lanes reopen Friday evening.
- I-395 main lanes and I-66 will be open to all traffic.
- Memorial Bridge will be open to pedestrian traffic and authorized vehicle traffic only.
- Key Bridge, Chain Bridge, Woodrow Wilson Bridge and the American Legion Bridge will be open to all traffic.
- North Washington Street at Montgomery Street to Reagan National Airport in Alexandria will be open.
Maryland and Washington D.C. streets
For a complete list of road closures in Washington D.C. and Maryland, click here.
Plan ahead
- Create a transportation plan for safe travels in Northern Virginia.
- VDOT and VSP recommend using the Metro, the Virginia Railway Express or Amtrak for traveling from Virginia to Washington D.C. to avoid congestion, and travel delays, according to a press release.
- For free emergency alerts and public notifications regarding the inauguration, text “INAUG” to 888777.
- Expect to walk long distances, stand in line at security checkpoints and plan to be in large crowds. That means extra consideration should be given if small children, elderly or someone with a weakened immune system plans to attend.
