Bridges, streets being closed for inauguration

WASHINGTON — Bridges crossing the Potomac River from Northern Virginia into Washington will be closed to most traffic on Jan. 20, the day Barack Obama takes the oath as president.

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In addition, about 3.5 square miles of downtown Washington will be closed to traffic starting the afternoon of Jan. 19, the day before the inauguration. The streets will reopen for morning rush hour on Jan. 21, Obama's first full day as president.

The closures were announced by the Secret Service, which is overseeing security for Inauguration Day, when officials estimate between 2 million and 3 million visitors will be in Washington.

To help relieve traffic congestion in the Washington, Virginia transportation officials announced that on Inauguration Day all but official and authorized vehicles will be barred from Interstate 66 and Interstate 395 inside the Interstate 495 Beltway that circles the capital.

The security perimeter — which covers more of the city than during previous inaugurations — includes a large part of the downtown business district and government buildings south of the National Mall. Curbside parking will be banned.

The Secret Service plans to set up 13 security stations to screen anyone arriving for the inauguration parade along Pennsylvania Avenue. Additional screening facilities will be near the Capitol and the White House. The screening stations open at 7 a.m. on Inauguration Day.