Security fencing goes up across DC ahead of presidential inauguration
Jan 14, 2025
WASHINGTON (DC News Now) -- Preparations for Monday’s presidential inauguration are well underway, with security measures going into place across the District.
That includes 30 miles of anti-scale fencing around federal buildings and roadways in the downtown area.
“So far, it’s okay. [The fencing is] not fully closed so when they’re fully closed it’s very difficult to get around,” said MacKenzie Hopkins, who was walking down 7th St. Tuesday.
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7th Street, which includes the Washington Convention Center, is one of the many streets that will be closed to traffic due to inaugural events over the weekend and Monday. In addition, black metal fencing will line the sidewalks.
Hopkins said the fencing more than doubles her commute time to work.
“I’m a Solidcore coach right here at Mt. Vernon Square. I live about a seven-minute walk from the studio, but when these are up it takes me about 25 minutes to walk all the way around," she said.
Mayor Muriel Bowser warned residents of the upcoming impacts during a security briefing this week.
“For residents and businesses most of the impact of the inauguration will be felt in the area directly around the National Mall, the U.S. Capitol, the Convention Center and around Union Station,” she said. “So, if you live, work, or need to travel in those areas … in this coming week and weekend make sure to plan ahead and give yourself extra time.”
For business owners in the impacted areas, the fencing and road closures can be bad for business.
“It slows us down significantly. It’s very noticeable. It’s hard when all these barriers go up to convince people to come out and find us. It looks like we’re closed,” said Oliver Cox, co-owner of Pearl’s Bagels.
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The bagel shop is located directly across from the Convention Center.
“We do get really big business off the Convention Center when they have big events, so it gives and it takes away sometimes,” Cox said. "We'll get through it."
He plans to keep the store open daily, aside from Inauguration Day on Monday.
“We know it’s really not worth being open for us when it’s that shut down,” said Cox. “We just lose business by doing it that way but it’s going to be too hard for our staff to get here, as well as customers.”
All road closures - which will vary throughout the weekend and Inauguration Day - can be found here.
Residents and visitors can also text DCINAUG to 888-777 to receive updates on additional road closures, traffic updates and details on accessing the Inauguration.