(Washington, D.C.) -- Today, the Law Enforcement and Public Safety Agencies announce the Security Restrictions and Joint Transportation Plan for the visit of Pope Francis to Washington, D.C. Events and activities celebrating the visit of Pope Francis, a designated National Special Security Event by the Department of Homeland Security, will take place Tuesday, September 22 through Thursday, September 24.
Security and transportation plans have been developed by a partnership of local, state and federal law enforcement and public safety agencies outlined above. Every effort has been made to minimize the impact of these safety measures.
Security Screenings
All attendees, including the general public and ticketed guests, will be subject to a thorough security screening before entering the Papal motorcade route or designated Papal events. Please be advised that all Washington D.C. Papal sites, with the exception of the parade, are ticketed events. No other individuals will be allowed access. Please allow additional time for these security screenings.
General Prohibited Items
General Prohibited Items: As a security precaution, the following items will be prohibited from entry into Papal events in Washington, D.C.:
Aerosols
Ammunition
Animals other than service/guide dogs
Backpacks exceeding size restrictions
Bags and signs exceeding size restrictions
Signs cannot be made of anything except cardboard, poster board or cloth
Balloons
Bicycles
Hard Sided Coolers (soft side thermal coolers are allowed)
Drones and other unmanned aircraft systems
Explosives
Firearms
Glass, thermal, or metal containers
Laser pointers
Mace/Pepper spray
Packages
Selfie sticks
Structures
Supports for signs and placards
Toy Guns
Weapons of any kind
Any other item determined to be a potential hazard
Surrendered items will not be returned, or available for pick-up.
This transportation plan provides the general outlines for road closures, vehicular and pedestrian restricted zones, charter vehicles, pedestrian routes and public transportation. Additional information is available online for residents of Washington, D.C. Additions to this plan may be made prior to the start of events and will be updated on partnering agency websites. Specific questions regarding this transportation plan should be directed to the participating agencies as identified.
Road Closures, Parking and Pedestrian Restrictions
Road closures, parking restrictions and changes to public transportation routes and public works services will be necessary during the 2015 Papal Visit in the areas of the Apostolic Nunciature of the Holy See (Vatican Embassy), the White House, Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, Conference of Catholic Bishops, Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, St. John Paul II Seminary, St. Patrick's Catholic Church, the U.S. Capitol, and various PEPCO locations. The public's cooperation and patience in abiding by these restrictions is appreciated.
Parking restricted areas will be posted with "Emergency No Parking" signage. Fencing, other physical barriers and uniformed law enforcement officers will also be utilized to enforce vehicle and pedestrian restricted zones. Maps of restricted areas in Washington, D.C. are attached.
APOSTOLIC NUNCIATURE OF THE HOLY SEE -- VATICAN EMBASSY
The following parking restriction will be implemented beginning 10 a.m. Monday, September 21. The restriction will remain in effect until approximately 4 p.m. Thursday, September 24:
• 34th Street NW (east curb) between Massachusetts Avenue NW and Fulton Street NW
The following parking restriction will be implemented beginning 12 a.m. Tuesday, September 22. The restriction will remain in effect until approximately 4 p.m. Thursday, September 24:
D.C.
• 34th Street NW between Massachusetts Avenue NW and Garfield Street NW
• Fulton Street NW between 34th Place and Normanstone Drive NW
The following roads will be closed to all vehicular traffic beginning 9 a.m. Tuesday, September 22, through approximately 4 p.m. on Thursday, September 24:
• 34th Street NW between Massachusetts Avenue NW and Garfield Street NW
• Fulton Street NW between 34th Place NW and Normanstone Drive NW
***MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE NW between Observatory Circle South and 34th Place NW will be closed to all northbound traffic. Southbound traffic will be permitted between 34th Street NW and Waterside Drive NW. All northbound truck traffic will be diverted onto Q Street NW at Sheridan Circle NW. All other northbound traffic will be diverted onto Rock Creek Parkway at Waterside Drive NW. All southbound truck traffic will be diverted east on Garfield Street NW or continue south on Wisconsin Avenue. Massachusetts Avenue NW will be closed to all traffic intermittently***
THE WHITE HOUSE
The following parking restrictions will be implemented beginning 10 p.m. Tuesday, September 22. The restrictions will remain until 12 p.m. Wednesday, September 23:
• Connecticut Avenue NW between H and I Streets NW
• 16th Street NW between H and I Streets NW
• Vermont Avenue NW between H and I Streets NW
• H Street NW between 17th and 15th Streets NW
The following roads will be closed to all vehicular traffic beginning between 9 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 22 through 12 p.m. on Wednesday, September 23:
• 15th Street NW between H Street NW and Maine Avenue SW
• 17th Street NW between Pennsylvania and Independence Avenues
• Constitution Avenue between 23rd and 12th Streets NW
*exception* Southbound traffic on 19th Street NW will be permitted to flow westbound on Constitution Avenue to 23rd Street NW
• Henry Bacon Drive NW between Constitution Avenue and Lincoln Memorial Circle NW
• H Street NW between 15th and 17th Streets NW
• New York Avenue NW between 15th and 14th Streets NW
• Vermont Avenue NW between H and I Streets NW
• 16th Street NW between I and H Streets NW
• Connecticut Avenue NW between I and H Streets NW
• G Street NW between 18th and 14th Streets NW
• F Street NW between 18th and 14th Streets NW
• New York Avenue NW between 18th and 14th Streets NW
• E Street NW between 18th and 14th Streets NW
• D Street NW between 18th and 17th Streets NW
• C Street NW between 18th and 17th Streets NW
• 18th Street NW between Constitution Avenue NW and Virginia Avenue NW
• Virginia Avenue NW between Constitution Avenue NW and 18th Street NW
• Pennsylvania Avenue NW between 13th and 15th Streets NW
• 14th Street NW between Pennsylvania and Independence Avenues NW
• Madison Drive NW between 7th and 15th Streets NW
• Jefferson Drive SW between 12th and 15th Streets SW
• 20th Street NW between C Street NW and Constitution Avenue NW
• 21st Street NW between C Street NW and Constitution Avenue NW
PARADE
The following parking restrictions will be implemented beginning 12 p.m. Tuesday, September 22. The restrictions will remain until 8 p.m. Wednesday, September 23:
• 18th Street between E Street NW and Constitution Avenue
• 17th Street between Pennsylvania Avenue NW and Independence Avenue
• 15th Street between H Street NW and Maine Avenue
• 14th Street between Pennsylvania and Independence Avenues
• Constitution Avenue between 19th and 12th Streets NW
*exception* beginning 9 p.m. Tuesday, September 22
• New York Avenue between 17th and 18th and 15th and 14th Streets NW
• E Street between 17th and 18th Streets NW
• D Street between 17th and 18th Streets NW
• C Street between 17th and 18th Streets NW
• Jefferson Drive between 15th and 12th Streets SW
*exception* beginning 9 p.m. Tuesday, September 22
• Madison Drive between 15th and 12th Streets, NW
*exception* beginning 9 p.m. Tuesday, September 22
• Pennsylvania Avenue (North) between 15th and 14th Streets NW
• Pennsylvania Avenue (South) between 15th Street and 14th Streets NW
• F Street NW between 15th and 14th and 18th and 17th Streets NW
• Virginia Avenue between 19th Street NW and Constitution Ave
• Independence Avenue between Ohio Drive and 12th Street SW
*exception* beginning 9 p.m. Tuesday, September 22
• Maine Avenue between Independence Avenue and 12th Street SW
• G Street NW between 18th and 17th and 15th and 14th Streets NW
CATHEDRAL OF ST. MATTHEW THE APOSTLE
The following parking restrictions will be implemented beginning 12 a.m. Wednesday, September 23. The restrictions will remain until 3 p.m. September 23.
• Rhode Island Avenue - Both Sides of Street between 17th Street NW and Connecticut Avenue NW
• M Street NW - Both Sides of Street between Connecticut Avenue NW, past the corner of BB and T Bank on M Street
• Connecticut Avenue NW - East Side of Street between Rhode Island Avenue NW, past the corner of Brooks Brothers
• N Street NW - South Side of the Street between Connecticut Avenue NW, 100 feet eastbound, past St. Matthews Court (alleyway)
• Saint Matthews Court -- Both sides of the Street between Citibank and 17th Street NW
The following road will be closed to all vehicular traffic beginning 6 a.m. Wednesday, September 23 through 3 p.m. September 23:
• Rhode Island Avenue NW between Connecticut Avenue and 17th Street NW
The following roads will be closed intermittently to all vehicular traffic beginning 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 23, 2015 through 1 p.m. on September 23:
• M Street NW between Connecticut Avenue and 17th Street NW
• Connecticut Avenue between Desales and 18th Street NW
• 17th Street NW between M and N Streets NW
CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS / BASILICA / SEMINARY
The following parking restrictions will be implemented beginning 6 p.m. Tuesday, September 22. The restrictions will remain until 8 p.m. Wednesday, September 23:
*Please note * Catholic University of America will issue no parking notifications for campus
• 4th Street NE between Michigan Avenue NE and Franklin Street NE
• Harewood Road NE between Michigan Avenue NE and Taylor Road NE
• Michigan Avenue NE between Irving and 10th Streets NE
• John McCormack Drive NE between Michigan Avenue NE and Taylor Street NE
• 7th Street NE between Monroe Street NE and Michigan Avenue NE
• Monroe Street NE between Michigan Avenue NE and 7th Street NE
• Lincoln Road NE between Franklin and 4th Streets NE
• Taylor Street NE from North Capitol Street NE to John McCormack Drive NE
The following roads will be closed to all vehicular traffic beginning 12 a.m. Wednesday, September 23 through 8 p.m. September 23:
• Michigan Avenue NE between Irving and 10th Streets NE
• Irving Street NE from North Capitol Street NE entrance/exit ramps to Michigan Avenue NE
• Marshall Road NE between North Capitol Street NE and Harewood Road NE
• Harewood Road NE between Michigan Avenue NE and Taylor Street NE
• John McCormack Drive NE between Michigan Avenue NE and Taylor Street NE
• 7th Street NE between Monroe Street NE and Michigan Avenue NE
• Monroe Street NE between Michigan Avenue NE and 7th Street NE
• 4th Street NE between Franklin Street NE and Michigan Avenue NE
• Lincoln Road NE between Franklin and 4th Streets NE
The following road will be closed to all vehicular traffic beginning 5 p.m. Wednesday, September 23, through 8 p.m. September 23:
• Taylor Street NE from North Capitol Street NE to Hawaii Avenue NE
ST. PATRICK'S CATHOLIC CHURCH
The following parking restrictions will be implemented beginning 7 p.m. Wednesday, September 23. The restrictions will remain in effect until 2 p.m. Thursday, September 24:
• G Street - Both Sides of Street between 8th and 11th Streets NW
• G Place - Both Sides of Street between 9th and 10th Streets NW
• 9th Street -- Both Sides of Street between H and F Streets NW
• 10th Street -- Both Sides of Street between H and F Streets NW
The following roads will be closed to all vehicular traffic beginning 9 p.m. Wednesday, September 23 through 2 p.m. Thursday, September 24:
• G Street NW between 8th and 11th Streets NW
• G Place NW between 9th and 10th Streets NW
• 9th Street NW between H and F Streets NW
• 10th Street NW between H and F Streets NW
U. S. CAPITOL
For detailed information regarding parking restrictions surrounding the U.S. Capitol, please visit www.uscapitolpolice.gov.
The following roads will be closed to all vehicular traffic beginning 5 p.m. Wednesday, September 23, through 4 p.m. Thursday, September 24:
• Maryland Avenue SW between 3rd and 1st Streets SW
• Pennsylvania Avenue NW between 3rd and 1st Streets NW
The following roads will be closed to all vehicular traffic beginning 12 a.m. Thursday, September 24, through 12 p.m. September 24:
• Constitution Avenue between 2nd Street NE and 3rd Street NW
• Independence Avenue between 3rd Street SW and 2nd Streets SE
• 3rd Street NW/SW between C Street NW and C Street SW
• D Street NW/SW between 2nd Street NE and New Jersey Avenue NW
• First Street NE/SE between Massachusetts Avenue NE and D Street SE
• Delaware Avenue NE between Columbus Circle NE and Constitution Avenue NE
• North Capitol Street NE/NW between E Street and Louisiana Avenue NW
• New Jersey Avenue NW between D Street NW and Constitution Avenue NW
• South Capitol Street SE/SW between E Street SE/SW and Independence Avenue
• C Street SW between 2nd and 3rd Streets SW
• Second Street SW between Independence Avenue SW and E Street SW
• First Street NE/SE between Massachusetts Avenue NE and D Street SE
The following roads will be closed to all vehicular traffic beginning 12 a.m. Thursday, September 24, through 4 p.m. September 24:
• East Capitol Street NE/SE between 2nd and 1st Streets NE/SE
• Louisiana Avenue NE/NW between Columbus Circle NE and Constitution Avenue NW
• Washington Avenue SW between South Capitol Street SE/SW and Independence Avenue SW
The following parking restrictions will be implemented beginning 12 a.m. Tuesday, September 22. The restrictions will remain until 6 p.m. Thursday, September 24:
• O Street NW (South side) between 12th and 11th Streets NW
• 12th Street NW (East side) between O and N Streets NW
• 11th Street NW (West side) between O and N Streets NW
The following parking restrictions will be implemented beginning 12 a.m. Tuesday, September 22. The restrictions will remain until 6 p.m. Thursday, September 24:
• 12 St. NE (West side) between Jackson and Irving Streets NE
• Jackson St. NE (South side) between 10th and 12th Streets NE
• Irving St. NE (North side) between 10th and 12th Streets NE
The following parking restrictions will be implemented beginning 12 a.m. Thursday, September 24.. The restrictions will remain until 2 p.m. Thursday, September 24:
• New Jersey Ave NW (East side) between E Street NW and Washington Court Hotel Entrance
• E St. NW (North side) between New Jersey Ave NW and North Capitol Street NW
The following parking restrictions will be implemented beginning 12 a.m. Tuesday, September 22. The restrictions will remain until 6 p.m. Thursday, September 24:
• L Street NW (South side) between 9th and 10th Streets NW
• 10th Street NW (East and West side) between L Street NW and Massachusetts Avenue NW
The following parking restrictions will be implemented beginning 12 a.m. Tuesday, September 22. The restrictions will remain until 6 p.m. Thursday, September 24:
• L Street NW (South side) between 12th and 11th Streets NW
• 12th Street NW (East side) between L and K Streets NW
• 11th Street NW (East and West sides) between L and K Streets NW
The following parking restriction will be implemented beginning 12 a.m. Tuesday, September 22. The restriction will remain until 6 p.m. Thursday, September 24:
• F Street NW (South side) between 22nd and 21st Streets NW
• 20th Street NW (East side) between I Street NW and Pennsylvania Avenue NW
• Pennsylvania Avenue NW (North side) between 19th and 20th Streets NW
Health Information / Guidance
Transit and events associated with the Washington, D.C. Papal visit will likely require extensive walking and outdoors exposure. Daytime temperatures are predicted in a range of the high 70's to mid 80's. Attendees are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes, make appropriate use of sunscreen, and to stay hydrated by consumption of water and non-caffeinated beverages.
Attendees on medications should bring enough medication for the duration of the visit. As a precaution, attendees are encouraged to carry the day's medications with them. Attendees with medical conditions are encouraged to keep their physicians' telephone numbers readily identifiable on their cell phones or on their person.
Pedestrian Advisories
BASILICA
• ADA/Handicap vehicles that have RSVP'd to the Archdiocese of Washington will travel south on John McCormack Drive from Taylor Street.
• Ticketed pedestrians from the Charter Bus stop and taxi drop will proceed northeast on Michigan Avenue to the first magnetometer bank.
• Ticketed attendees coming from the Brookland Metro Station will proceed southwest on Michigan Avenue to the magnetometer banks.
• Brookland bus patrons will proceed west on Monroe Street to Michigan Avenue or turn north on 7th Street NE to access the magnetometer banks on Michigan Avenue. (Guides will direct overflow crowds to the magnetometers on Michigan Avenue south of Monroe Street.)
PARADE
• Foggy Bottom patrons should proceed south on 23rd Street to Virginia Avenue NW. Then proceed southeast on Virginia Avenue to 19th Street NW. Proceed south on 19th Street to Constitution Avenue.
• Farragut West, Farragut North, and McPherson Square attendees will be directed to proceed west on I Street to 19th Street. Attendees will then travel south on 19th Street to Constitution Avenue. All pedestrian traffic will be directed to the magnetometers at 17th Street and Constitution Avenue.
• National Guard guides will direct overflow to the National Park Service and U.S. Park Police, who will provide guidance through the National Mall / World War II Memorial area to the nearest magnetometer adjacent to 17th Street and the Washington Monument.
• Attendees utilizing Metro Center, Gallery Place/Chinatown, Federal Triangle, and Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter Metro Stops will be directed to walk south to Constitution Avenue and travel west to the magnetometers at 14th Street and Constitution.
• Attendees utilizing the Smithsonian, L'Enfant Plaza Metro Stops, or the Charter Bus stop on L'Enfant Plaza near Independence Avenue will travel west on Independence Avenue and Jefferson Drive to the nearest magnetometer bank closest to 15th Street and Independence Avenue.
• National Guard guides will direct overflow along the southwest side of the fencing adjacent to the non-scalable fence to the next magnetometer entrance at 17th Street near the Washington Monument.
• If the magnetometers at 14th Street and Constitution Avenue are overtaxed, overflow will be directed to the magnetometer bank north on 15th Street near Independence Avenue.
Airspace Restrictions
Washington, D.C. and surrounding communities are No Drone Zones.
Anyone flying a drone within the designated restricted areas may be subject to civil and criminal charges.
The FAA has flight restrictions in place in and around Washington, D.C. Flying a drone in any of the restricted areas to be visited by Pope Francis is against the law. Any unmanned aircraft --including radio-controlled model aircraft / UAS-- are subject to those requirements.
The airspace around Washington, D.C. is more restricted than in any other part of the country. There is an existing prohibition against flying any type of unmanned aircraft without specific approval around the District of Columbia, cities, towns, and airports. Restrictions have temporarily been expanded to include Potomac Airfield, College Park, and Washington Executive/Hyde Park airports.
Pilots are strongly encouraged to check NOTAMs frequently for possible changes prior to operations in the area or contact a Flight Service Station at 1-800-992-7433 to check for all current NOTAMs.
Public Transit
Metrorail -- Public Transit
The Metrorail system will operate regular hours on all days of the Papal visit, with stations opening at 5 a.m. and closing at midnight. Regular fares and parking fees will be charged. All stations will be open; however, selected station entrances may be temporarily closed for short periods due to security needs. There will be no scheduled track work during the Papal visit.
Metro will provide additional train service during non-peak hours Wednesday and Thursday during the Papal visit. However, because Metro does not have the ability to add significant capacity during the morning and evening rush hours, riders should expect significant crowding aboard trains and at rail stations near Papal events. Specifically, riders may need to wait extended periods of time--possibly hours--before re-entering the Metrorail system at certain stations following large events. All riders are encouraged to allow extra travel time during the Papal visit.
All riders who are planning to use Metro during the Papal visit are strongly encouraged to purchase fare media in advance. Each traveler needs his or her own SmarTrip or paper fare card, which should be loaded with sufficient value to pay for all planned travel. Riders can purchase SmarTrip cards online prior to September 14 by visiting https://smartrip.wmata.com/storefront.
Due to capacity limitations at Brookland Station (closest station to the Mass at the Basilica), attendees should consider using alternate shuttle bus service from Fort Totten or Rhode Island Avenue stations. Visit http://www.wmata.com/PapalVisit for details.
Metrobus -- Public Transit
Metrobus service will operate on a regular weekday schedule during the Papal visit. Regular fares will be charged on all routes.
Due to the Papal visit security plan, many bus routes in Washington, D.C., will be adjusted, detoured or shortened. Information about individual Metrobus routes will be posted at http://wmata.com/PapalVisit as plans are finalized. All bus riders are strongly encouraged to allow additional travel time, and to sign up for Metro Alerts email and text messages to be notified of any late changes or real-time updates.
Online Information
The District of Columbia will use several online resources for communicating useful information on street closures, traffic disruptions and more.
D.C. Papal Visit Information and updates for the 2015 D.C. Papal visit will be available online through the following websites:
• http://www.popefrancisvisit.com/
• Metropolitan Police Department - http://www.mpdc.dc.gov @DCPoliceDept and @DCPoliceTraffic
• Amtrak - http://www.amtrak.com/ccurl/591/274/Amtrak-Papal-Visit-ATK-15-040a.pdf
• Federal Aviation Administration flight restrictions -- http://tfr.faa.gov/tfr2/list.html
• U.S. Secret Service -- http://www.secretservice.gov @secretservice
• Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority - http://wmata.com/PapalVisit
Additions or updates to this plan may be made prior to the start of the event.
EDITORS NOTE: For questions concerning this release, please contact the United States Secret Service Office of Government and Public Affairs at 202.406.5708. This press release will also be posted at www.secretservice.gov and on participating agency websites.
Partners: Amtrak
Amtrak Police
D.C. Department of Health
D.C. Department of Public Works
D.C. Department of Transportation
D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services
D.C. Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency
D.C. Mayor's Office
Federal Aviation Administration
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Federal Protective Service
Metropolitan Police Department
National Park Service
Regional Emergency Support Function 15
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington
Senate Sergeant at Arms / Office of Protocol
Transportation Security Administration
U.S. Attorney's Office / D.C.
U.S. Capitol Police
U.S. Coast Guard / Public Affairs Detachment
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
U.S. Department of Defense
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
U.S. Park Police
U.S. Secret Service
VA Department of Transportation
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
Related Links:
Closures and Detours around the Basilica of the National Shrine
Learn more about Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region
Social Sharing