Increased Police Presence, Road Restrictions Announced for GW Parkway Classic

The City of Alexandria is working with the organizers of the George Washington Parkway Classic road race to ensure the safety of all participants and spectators following the Boston Marathon bombing attacks.

There will be an additional police presence, including uniformed officers and non-uniformed personnel, during the Sunday event.

The city also will restrict parking in and around the finish line area, and seal trash cans prior to the race.

There will be no parking in Old Town Alexandria on North Union Street between King and Oronoco streets between 4 a.m. and noon April 21. Parking restriction signs will be posted prior to the race, and vehicles parked in these areas April 21 will be moved to a non-restricted area.

At noon on Saturday, April 20, the Alexandria Police Department will be closing Pendleton Street (between Fairfax and Union streets) and N. Union Street (between Oronoco and Pendleton streets) until approximately noon on Sunday, April 21.

On the day of the event, the Alexandria Police Department will close the following roads:

• The George Washington Parkway (Washington Street) southbound from Franklin Street to the city line, beginning at 6:30 a.m. Residents in affected areas will be accommodated.

• Franklin Street between South Washington and South Union streets, South Union to King Street, North Union to Oronoco Street, and parts of North Fairfax and Oronoco streets.

Other traffic impacts:

• Cross traffic will be allowed during breaks in the race; motorists should be patient and expect delays.

• The bike path at Oronoco Bay Park will close on Saturday, April 20 at noon. Bikers will be detoured to Fairfax Street.

The Department of Transportation & Environmental Services will cover and seal city-owned trash cans before the event. Race day trash and recycling receptacles will be available for participants and spectators.

The last mile of the course will be lined with uniformed public safety officers, including city public safety officers, Virginia State Police and officers from other area jurisdictions in honor of injured Alexandria Police Department officer Peter Laboy.

They will also have public safety vehicles nearby. This is separate from other planned race security and medical providers, but will add to the large public safety presence in Alexandria for this race.