Security concerns have led to closures of core areas of the National Mall/NPS file

Security concerns surrounding President-elect Biden's inauguration prompted the closure Friday of core areas of the National Mall in Washington, D.C., to the public through January 21, at least. The U.S. Secret Service requested the closure, which took effect at 11 a.m. EST Friday. 

Activities of the 59th presidential inauguration and permitted First Amendment activities in designated locations will be allowed, a release from the National Park Service said.

Areas near the U.S. Navy Memorial and John Marshall Park have been designated as demonstration areas for those holding permits. Demonstrations will be limited in number and participants will be screened prior to entry and escorted to their permitted location, in addition to other safety related requirements. Only those holding permits will be allowed within the closed area.  

The closure has been ordered to ensure safety and security within the area of the National Special Security Event designated by the Department of Homeland Security for the 59th presidential inauguration. The closure affects all National Park Service property, memorials and facilities in the areas roughly bounded by Constitution Avenue, NW to the north; Ohio Drive, SW to the south; the Potomac River to the west; and 3rd Street to the east. The area also generally includes President’s Park, including Lafayette Park, the Ellipse and the White House complex, as well as East and West Potomac parks, and National Park Service lands along Pennsylvania Avenue. 

“We appreciate the cooperation of Mayor (Muriel) Bowser working with (Interior) Secretary (David) Bernhardt to protect our city during the inaugural period,” said Jeff Reinbold, superintendent of National Mall and Memorial Parks. “Working together, the National Park Service, mayor’s office, the Metropolitan Police Department, United States Secret Service and all of our local and federal law enforcement and public safety partners, have developed a plan to ensure for the safety of our nation’s capital, city residents and monuments and memorials on the National Mall.” 

The following areas have been closed to public use: 

• Constitution Ave, NW from Rock Creek Parkway, NW to 17th Street NW, to include the adjacent sidewalks; 
• 17th Street , NW to H Street, NW, to include the adjacent sidewalks; 
• H Street, NW to 15th Street, NW, to include adjacent sidewalks; 
• 15th Street, NW to Pennsylvania Avenue, NW to include adjacent sidewalks; 
• Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, from 15th Street, NW to 3rd Street, SW, and adjacent sidewalks (except for designated areas for First Amendment activities to be overseen by the National Park Service and United States Park Police); 
• 3rd Street, SW, from Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, to Independence Avenue, SW, and adjacent sidewalks;   
• Independence Avenue, SW, from 3rd Street, SW, to Ohio Drive, SW, and adjacent sidewalks; and 
• Ohio Drive, SW, to Rock Creek Parkway, NW, and adjacent sidewalks;  

In support of this effort, the National Park Service is also temporarily closing to the public the following roadways and park areas: 

• East and West Potomac Parks including Hains Point, all memorials and NPS areas contained within; 
• On and off ramps to Potomac Park, from I-395 N and I-395;             
• Lincoln Memorial Circle including all adjacent sidewalks and roadways; 
• Memorial Bridge, from Washington Boulevard to Lincoln Memorial Circle, including all adjacent sidewalks; and  
• The White House Complex, all of Lafayette Park and the White House sidewalk, the Ellipse, First Division Park, and Sherman Park. 

People in and around Washington, D.C., are encouraged so signup for updates on public safety, street closures, weather alerts, transit updates and more via Nixle text alerts from the DC Government. Text INAUG2021 to 888-777 to sign up.