City Announces Road Closures and Parking Restrictions for 2020 Women’s March on Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA—The City of Philadelphia today released the road closures and parking restrictions associated with the 2020 Women’s March on Philadelphia. On Saturday, January 18, 2020, the Women’s March on Philadelphia demonstration will take place on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and Eakins Oval. To ensure the safety of participants and the public, road closures and parking restrictions will be implemented.

Delays can be expected during the course of the event. Motorists are advised to avoid the area by using alternate routes and allow for extra driving time in areas near the event. Those driving should also refrain from double-parking, which creates congestion, limits traffic flow, and is illegal.

Road Closures

Participants will assemble at Logan Circle, Aviator Park and Benjamin Franklin Parkway beginning at 8 a.m. The march will commence at 10 a.m., starting at 20th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway and proceeding westbound to Eakins Oval. Once participants arrive at Eakins Oval, the rally will commence at 10:30 a.m. The demonstration is scheduled to conclude at approximately 12:30 p.m.

The following streets will be closed from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 18:

  • Benjamin Franklin Parkway between 18th Street and 20th Street (including Logan Circle)
  • 19th Street between Race Street and Vine Street
  • Race Street between 20th Street and Logan Circle

The following streets will be closed from 8 a.m. to approximately 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 18:

  • Benjamin Franklin Parkway between 22nd Street and 24th Street
  • Spring Garden Street from Pennsylvania Avenue to Benjamin Franklin Parkway
  • Kelly Drive (outbound) from Benjamin Franklin Parkway to Fairmount Avenue
  • Kelly Drive (inbound) from 25th Street to Benjamin Franklin Parkway
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive between Eakins Oval and Sweetbriar Drive

The march route from 20th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway west to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Eakins Oval will be closed to traffic at 10 a.m. Benjamin Franklin Parkway and numbered cross streets east of 22nd Street will reopen as the march progresses. All roads east of 22nd Street are expected to re-open to traffic by 11 a.m.

Starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday, January 18, inbound (eastbound) traffic on Kelly Drive must exit Kelly Drive at Fairmount Avenue due to the closure of the outer lanes on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Those wishing to access the west side of the Philadelphia Museum of Art should continue to 25th Street and turn right on Anne d’Harnoncourt Drive.

The Franklin Institute will remain OPEN for business on Saturday, January 18. The main entrance on 20th Street will be open, and guests driving into the area are encouraged to utilize the Franklin Institute’s parking garage. The parking garage can be accessed by traveling eastbound on Winter Street from either 22nd Street or the I-676 off-ramp. Vehicles will be directed to turn right at 21st and Winter Streets, and the garage entrance is on 21st Street on the left.

Parking Restrictions

The following streets will be posted as “Temporary No Parking” zones from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 18—both sides of street unless otherwise noted:

  • 20th Street from Race Street to Benjamin Franklin Parkway (east side of the street)
  • Benjamin Franklin Parkway from 16th Street to 20th Street
  • 19th Street from Cherry Street to Vine Street
  • 18th Street from Arch Street to Vine Street
  • 17th Street from Race Street to Arch Street
  • Cherry Street from 16th Street to 17th Street
  • Benjamin Franklin Parkway from 20th Street to Eakins Oval (all lanes)
  • 21st Street from Pennsylvania Avenue to Race Street
  • 22nd Street from Pennsylvania Avenue to Winter Street
  • Spring Garden Street from 21st Street to 23rd Street (north side of the street)
  • Winter Street from 20th Street to 21st Street
  • John F. Kennedy Boulevard from Broad Street to 16th Street (north side of the street)

All “Temporary No Parking” signs must be obeyed. Vehicles parked in these locations during posted hours will be relocated.

Public Transportation

SEPTA Bus Routes 2, 7, 32, 33, 38, 43, 48 and 49 will be detoured from their normal routes through the Benjamin Franklin Parkway area beginning at 8 a.m. on Saturday, January 18 through approximately 3 p.m. Detours will be posted, and specific route changes will be made available on the System Status Page at septa.org.

Public Safety Information

No bags or items should be left unattended. In the event of an emergency or to report a suspicious person, activity or item (a backpack, a package, a container)—notify a police officer immediately or call 9-1-1. Do not try to open, move, cover or touch a suspicious item.

The public should expect congestion in the area. If you are attending the event, make a plan regarding driving, public transit, parking, and supervision of children. It is recommended that attendees wear comfortable, weather-appropriate attire.

For the safety of participants, all locations referenced above and the surrounding area are designated as a “No-Drone Zone.”  Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and drones of any kind are not permitted. For more information on FAA regulations and drone use, visit phila.gov/dronephilly.

For tips and general information about being prepared and ready at special events, read the Special Event Safety Guide.

Additional Information for Media

Any inquiries about the planning, program content, or other details of the Women’s March on Philadelphia should be directed to event organizers: Deja Alvarez (Deja.alvarez@womensmarchonphiladelphia.org) or Nikki Bagby (Nikki.bagby@womensmarchonphiladelphia.org).

###