Inaugural Committee warns Of "crush-Level" crowds

Washington, Dec.31 (ANI): The Congressional Inaugural Committee has warned of "crush-level" inaugural crowds on January 20, the day on which Barack Obama will be sworn in as the 44th US President.

According to a CBS News report, street closures throughout Washington, D.C., will make traveling by car or taxi very difficult.

Bridges from Virginia crossing the Potomac River into Washington, D.C., as well as major roadways from Maryland into Washington, D.C., may be closed to all but bus traffic.

As far as the D.C. subway system is concerned, it will be running a 'rush-hour' service all day, but is expecting 'crush-level' crowds. Therefore, be prepared to wait for space on a train for long periods of time, during which you will have to stand in close proximity to several thousand people.

"While the actual swearing-in will take place shortly before noon, the formal program begins at 11:30 a.m., the musical prelude and seating will begin much earlier. Security checkpoints will open for ticketed guests at 8:00 a.m., and the committee advises arriving no later than 9:00 a.m. to ensure that you are through the checkpoints by the time the program begins. Screening will end when the program begins at 11:30 a.m. and late arrivals will not be able to enter the grounds," the committee said in a statement.

In the remaining weeks before the 56th presidential inaugural, the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC) will be issuing a series of advisories to help people who plan to attend the swearing-in ceremony.

In addition to the 240,000 ticketed guests, a million or more people are expected to view the inauguration from the National Mall between 4th Street and the Lincoln Memorial, along with hundreds of thousands of others who plan on watching the Inaugural parade down Pennsylvania Avenue.

A security perimeter will be established around the U.S. Capitol and the parade route on or before January 20, 2009. Subway stations, bus stops, and streets within that perimeter will be closed. (ANI)