Inauguration commute likely to be long

On a typical weekday, hundreds of thousands of people commute to the nation’s capital, snarling roads and packing subway trains and buses during peak hours.

Imagine multiplying that several times for President-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration Jan. 20.

“I don’t want in any way to discourage anyone,” said the District’s city administrator, Dan Tangherlini. “I just don’t want them to come and be completely shocked by what they find.”

It won’t be pleasant, Mr. Tangherlini and other officials say.

Metro is telling passengers to expect extraordinarily long lines for trains and buses. Airports will be bustling with extra flights. Traffic could be at a standstill as motorists cope with street and bridge closings. Those who do manage to arrive in the District will find limited parking.

“Pack your patience” is the advice from Corinne Geller, a Virginia State Police spokeswoman.

Amtrak is expanding service between Boston and Washington on Inauguration Day. Southwest Airlines is adding 26 flights to and from the region between Jan. 17 and Jan. 23. Delta Air Lines and its subsidiary, Northwest Airlines, are adding more than 5,000 seats Jan. 16 and Jan. 21 by using larger aircraft on existing flights. Airport officials say they will add staff to help guide travelers.

Virginia State Police plan to bring troopers from across the state to monitor expected gridlock outside Washington, Miss Geller said. Maryland transportation officials are urging truck drivers and other commercial drivers to avoid the area.

Major bridges into the city, such as the Roosevelt, Memorial and inbound Key bridges, will be open only to buses and official inaugural traffic, Mr. Tangherlini said. A complete list of road closures will be released early this week, according to the Secret Service.

Prepare for the unexpected, authorities and inaugural organizers say.

“We also recommend developing backup plans in case your original travel plans need to be changed at the last minute,” the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies said in a recent advisory.

Given the impending headaches, some would-be revelers are staying home.

Larry Froneyberger of Atlanta planned to pick up his grandmother, Francine, 68, from High Point, N.C., on his way to the inauguration. They were going to stay in Baltimore and take the train into Washington.

She was excited about the prospect of witnessing the first black president, especially because she grew up during a time when that seemed impossible, Mr. Froneyberger said. But with her slow stride owing to foot surgery last year, the transportation situation was too overwhelming.

“It’s going to be a lot of waiting and she was like, ‘I just can’t do it,’” he said.

Story Continues →