Traffic And Parking Restrictions For the Presidential Debate
by Alex Lloyd Gross
Donald Trump will debate Kamala Harris at the National Constitution Center on Tuesday, September 10,2024. This is far different from when Hillary Clinton was debating there in 2008. There are parking restrictions and the entire perimeter is going to be closed. The shut down will start on Monday and continue until Wednesday.
If you do not have credentials for the debate, you will not be permitted within one block of the National Constitution Center.
Road Closures & Parking Restrictions
There will be closures for vehicular and pedestrian traffic, mass transit detours, and possible rolling street closures related to the event.
Saturday, September 7 – Monday, September 9
Starting Saturday, September 7 residents may experience increases to traffic and temporary lane closures in the area near and around the National Constitution Center as event-related preparation work is scheduled to begin and last throughout the weekend.
Tuesday, September 10 – Wednesday, September 11
Beginning early morning Tuesday September 10, street closures will be in effect from Arch to Market Streets, between 4th and 7th Streets. Vehicular and pedestrian traffic will be allowed on 4th Street and Market Street. The 6th Street exit of I-676 eastbound will also be closed beginning Tuesday morning. I-676 westbound is expected to remain open but may close if necessary.
No one will be permitted inside those secure closure points. Arch and Race Streets will remain closed throughout the duration of the event. Closures will remain in effect until the event area is cleared which is expected Wednesday.
Employees who work inside the secure zone should access their building through an entry point at 7th and Arch Streets.
Access to eastbound lanes for the Ben Franklin Bridge from I-676 into New Jersey is slated to close after rush hour Tuesday for the debate. Westbound lanes of the Ben Franklin Bridge into Philadelphia will remain open at this time.
Additional temporary highway and street shutdowns and rolling road closures may be necessary on Tuesday due to public safety necessity and anticipated First Amendment demonstrations.
Expect residual delays on surrounding roadways.
Public Transit
Delays, detours, and changes to SEPTA mass transit schedules and stops will be published on the agency’s Alert & Advisory webpage and social media.
Stay Updated
Road closures, reopening, and other information related to the debate will be published on the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management, City of Philadelphia, and the Philadelphia Police Department’s social media pages. People can also sign up for free ReadyPhiladelphia alerts by texting READYPHILA to 888-777.