News Release

Inauguration preparations at Lafayette Park and White House sidewalks underway  

Date: October 11, 2024
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WASHINGTON— The National Park Service (NPS) has instituted a partial closure in Lafayette Park and along the White House sidewalks for public safety in support of preparation and activities associated with the presidential inauguration. Closures will remain in place through February 2025. The northern part of Lafayette Park remains open for visitors and First Amendment activities.

Closures in parts of Lafayette Park and along the White House sidewalks ensure the safety of workers and visitors and help facilitate the delivery and storage of heavy machinery and construction materials. Construction activities include installing viewing stands, security barriers, temporary structures, and lighting and sound equipment. Crews will restore the park and sidewalks to pre-inauguration conditions within weeks of the inauguration concluding.

Construction for the Presidential Inauguration Parade reviewing stands typically starts on Nov. 1 the year before the inauguration. Sometimes, closures and construction occur earlier. This year, work began Oct. 1 to accommodate additional time needed for a safer and more secure environment for construction activities. Temporary closures are standard for inaugurations, and the NPS will inform the public of closures through frequent signs and announcements. 
 

-NPS-  
 

About the National Park Service: More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for more than 400 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.