The 56th Presidential Inauguration
Tuesday, January 20, 2009

As of 1-15-2009

The Inauguration and GW

The District of Columbia, along with rest of the nation, will be marking the inauguration of Barack Obama as president of the United States with various ceremonies and events throughout the city on and around Inauguration Day—Tuesday, January 20, 2009.  Most of the National Capital Region, including The George Washington University, will be observing Inauguration Day, January 20, as a holiday.

General Information and Safety Tips

• As with other significant events at the National Mall, the Foggy Bottom Campus will more than likely see a high number of visitors near and around the university.  Expect large crowds as hundreds of thousands of people are expected to be in the nation's capital not only for Inauguration Day, but for the days preceding it as well.
• There will be a high level of security for the Presidential Inauguration. Be aware of road closures and detours, parking restrictions, temporary Metro station closures and bus service changes.
• Plan ahead and be prepared.  Steer clear of long lines by purchasing your Metro farecard ahead of time, make withdraws before the weekend and avoid possibly empty ATMs in the downtown area, and know what you can and cannot carry or pack whether at the National Mall or on the parade route.  Spectator information can be found at: http://inauguration.dc.gov/spectator_info.asp
• Should you plan on attending any events, remember that it will likely be cold and there is always a possibility of inclement weather.  Be aware of the weather forecast and plan to be standing for long periods of time in open air.  Dress appropriately for cold temperatures especially keeping your head, hands, and feet dry and warm.
• GW's Inaugural Ball is scheduled for the Omni Shoreham Hotel.  Click on the following link for additional information:  http://gwired.gwu.edu/inauguralball

 
MEMBERS OF THE GW COMMUNITY ARE REMINDED TO CARRY THEIR GWORLD CARD AT ALL TIMES.

Additional Information for GW Community Members

• Dining Services will have Special Inaugural Hours of Operation which can be found at http://living.gwu.edu/dining/InaugurationHours/
• Student Health will be open to the GW Community during the holiday weekend (except Sunday) and Inauguration Day: http://gwired.gwu.edu/shs
• Academic and administrative buildings will be closed during Inauguration weekend unless otherwise posted.

MEMBERS OF THE GW COMMUNITY ARE REMINDED TO CARRY THEIR GWORLD CARD AT ALL TIMES.

Transportation

• Please refer to Metro’s website for the most up-to-date information: http://www.wmata.com/
• Metro usage will be at the limit of their capability in both rail and bus service.  Many visitors will be using the system for the first time.  Purchase farecards before the long weekend because lines will be long and vending machines could run out of farecards.  If you are a SmarTrip user, recharge your card prior to the weekend.
• Metrorail will operate rush hour service on Inauguration Day from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m. and will stay open for two extra hours until 2 a.m.  Peak fares will be charged during these times on Tuesday, January 20.
• Expect station closures and expect that information and schedules may change.  The Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter Station on Metro's Green and Yellow Lines and Smithsonian Station on Metro’s Blue and Orange Lines will be closed all day on Tuesday, January 20.  Judiciary Square and Mount Vernon Square/7th Street-Convention Center Stations will close early for security precautions due to their proximity to venues hosting Inaugural Balls. 
• All escalators at Metro stations will be turned off because the size of the crowds will make their operation potentially dangerous. 

MEMBERS OF THE GW COMMUNITY ARE REMINDED TO CARRY THEIR GWORLD CARD AT ALL TIMES.

Street Closures and Parking

• The Foggy Bottom Campus, nearby neighborhoods, and parts of the District are affected by parking and traffic restrictions established by the United States Secret Service and the Metropolitan Police Department.
• Expect road (including interstates and other major roadways) and bridge (including all bridges connecting Virginia and the District of Columbia) closures during Inauguration weekend and particularly on Inauguration Day.  The latest information and maps can be found at http://voices.washingtonpost.com/inauguration-central/ and interactive maps can be viewed http://inaugural.senate.gov/2009/getthere.cfm#outside.
• The Foggy Bottom Campus east of 23rd Street will be inside the security perimeter and used as the “dispersal area” for the Inaugural Parade.  There will be no on street parking from mid-day Monday, January 19 through all day Tuesday, January 20.
• Buses will be parked on 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st and 22nd Streets on both sides from Pennsylvania Avenue to Virginia Avenue.  Bus parking on 21st Street will extend to Constitution Avenue. 
• Pennsylvania Avenue will be closed from 17th Street to Washington Circle and will also have buses parked on it.
• Constitution Avenue will be closed from 3rd Street to 18th Street (and possibly to 23rd Street). 
• Areas north of Pennsylvania Avenue in the West End, south Dupont, and northern Foggy Bottom will also have parking restrictions in effect.
• Obey all marked parking restrictions and follow instructions of law enforcement and other personnel directing traffic.

Additional Information (As of 1-15-2009)

• Inauguration Aid Stations
• ADA Parade Route Accessible Locations

MEMBERS OF THE GW COMMUNITY ARE REMINDED TO CARRY THEIR GWORLD CARD AT ALL TIMES.

Campus Advisories will be updated as information becomes available from emergency management and law enforcement partners.

For More Information

Visit these sites for additional information relating to the Presidential Inauguration.

GW's Inaugural Ball Web Site
http://gwired.gwu.edu/inauguralball

GW Housing Guidance on Inauguration
http://living.gwu.edu/ressvcs/Inauguration/

Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies
http://inaugural.senate.gov/

District of Columbia’s 2009 Presidential Inauguration Website
http://inauguration.dc.gov/

Armed Forces Inaugural Committee
http://www.afic.northcom.mil/

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (METRO)
http://www.wmata.com/inauguration/

Washington Post “Inauguration Central” (includes an Inauguration Map of the National Mall and parade route)
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/inauguration-central/

Visit Campus Advisories or the GW Information Line (202-994-5050) for continued updates.