Road Rules: Walking from Rosslyn to National Mall

Reporter takes to the streets

Reporter Kimberly Suiters took the inauguration road test Thursday morning, walking from the Rosslyn Metro station to the National Mall.

With so many road closures in the city on Inauguration Day, the Rosslyn Metro station will be one of the jumping-off points -- people will leave the Metro system at this point and start their hike to the Mall.

Due to numerous planned closures, Suiters mapped out her route so she could cross the Key Bridge and head through Georgetown.  It took her about 45 minutes to reach Pennsylvania Avenue.

The result?  Suiters started her journey at 5:50 a.m. and reached the Washington Monument by 6:50 a.m., although she didn't stop for coffee, much to the chagrin of her co-worker on the trip, Adam Winer.

Suiters was wearing a pedometer during her walk.  The pedometer said she went 1.19 miles, but ... the gadget lied.  She actually went more than three miles.  However, if she had gone over the Roosevelt Bridge, it would have been only two miles.  Why didn't she use that bridge?  Because it will be closed to pedestrians on Inauguration Day.   Sigh...

The Key, Memorial and Chain bridges will be open to pedestrians that day, but officials do not recommend the Chain Bridge because it won't be pedestrian-friendly.

Oh, and if you're wondering, it's still about a mile from the Washington Monument to the steps of the U.S. Capitol.

Know of a good way to get from Virginia to the National Mall on Inauguration Day?  Post it in the comments below.

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