Jan 09, 2025 Board of Trade

Inauguration Day Regional Safety & Travel Guide

Stay Safe & Connected on Inauguration Day

Local and federal agencies in D.C. are actively preparing for the 2025 Presidential Inauguration on Jan. 20, ensuring the region is ready to address any safety and logistical challenges during this historic event. Below are updates from transportation, government, and business officials regarding the week of Inauguration Day — a pivotal time for Downtown D.C. and the Greater Washington area. The Board of Trade is dedicated to keeping our business community informed and will continue to provide timely updates as we approach this significant occasion.

Safety & Transportation Information

Rally ahead of Inauguration Day at Capital One Arena on Jan.19

A rally is scheduled to take place ahead of Inauguration Day at Capital One Arena on Sunday, Jan. 19. Details about road closures will be announced in the coming days.

Learn more about the rally from here: https://bit.ly/406Og2R

WMATA sets route and station closures for Inauguration Day

Beginning Sunday, Jan. 19, until Tuesday, Jan. 21, buses will detour daily due to the 2025 Presidential Inauguration. Please allow additional travel time and avoid the area if possible. With additional closures that could be announced, you can learn more here: https://bit.ly/407R1Rl

Inauguration Day Public Overview Map

Below is a look at the Inauguration Day Public Overview Map that shows the latest United States Secret Service details regarding restriction zones, public access points, and traffic zones. DDOT did repave the Inauguration Day route through the end of 2024. More updates from local and federal officials, including changes to this map, could be shared in the coming days as we get closer to Jan. 20.

D.C. Government & Metropolitan Police Department:

D.C. officials and leaders will be on high alert for Inauguration Day and the large number of people and activities going on downtown. Inauguration Day is a National Special Security Event, which helps D.C. get better support from federal law enforcement agencies and the military to keep the District safe. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser recently met with President-elect Donald Trump to explore collaborative opportunities for enhancing the nation’s capital during his upcoming second term.

In addition, MPD is working with local and federal authorities to keep people in the downtown area safe and is providing updates here. Please report threats and emergencies to 911. Keep your community safe by reporting suspicious activity by calling 202-727-9099, texting 50411, or visiting iwatchdc.org.

Capital Police:

The National Park Service (NPS) has instituted a partial closure in Lafayette Park and along the White House sidewalks for public safety in support of preparation and activities associated with the presidential inauguration. Closures will remain in place through February 2025. The northern part of Lafayette Park remains open for visitors and First Amendment activities. This year, work began Oct. 1 to accommodate additional time needed for a safer and more secure environment for construction activities. The Washington Post has also confirmed that Capitol Police is working with the D.C. National Guard to coordinate response needs better ahead of Inauguration Day.

Expect Closure to Museums on National Mall

Most museums on the National Mall in D.C. will be closed on Inauguration Day to help reduce traffic.

Learn more about these closures here: https://bit.ly/40a8pVH

Advice For Downtown Businesses

Sign up to receive real-time alerts from the District on public safety, traffic impacts, and more on election and inauguration updates by visiting alertdc.dc.gov.

ReadyDC has resources to help businesses create emergency plans, protect critical information, and improve your workforce’s personal preparedness efforts. Learn more by visiting ready.dc.gov/business.

Report suspicious activity. If you see something that doesn’t feel right, report it at iwatchdc.org inform a police officer or call 911 if there is an emergency or you are in immediate danger. Also, keep up-to-date on the latest on Inuauguration Day from D.C. Government here.