With a state of emergency declaration in place, getting to -- or around -- the Capitol today will be a little more complicated than usual. If you do plan to come to the Capitol or need to route around it, this article will be updated throughout the day with logistics and other updates.
Road Closures and Transit
On Broad St, only one lane will be open in each direction from 7th St to 11th St. Police will be closing E. 9th St between Cary and Broad, and all intersecting roads off 9th for one block. Streets affected: Main, Franklin, and Grace. Main St will be closed from 8th to 14th St, and closing one block of the following side streets between Main and Cary: 10th, 12th, and Governor.
GRTC will operate several detours, affecting 8 bus lines. They also have contingency plans in the event that Broad St, which should remain open, closes. The complete information is available on their website.
Capitol Access
There will be a single entrance at 9th and Grace St for anyone wishing to demonstrate on the Capitol grounds. The area is fenced in and visitors will be screened for weapons.
According to Capitol Police and the Joint Information Center, flag poles and sticks will be banned as well. On Facebook, they wrote, “If it can be construed as a weapon, then it will not be permitted. This includes any flags and signs on sticks or poles etc.” This ban applies to the grounds and both the Capitol and Pocahontas buildings.
Entering the Capitol building will be possible as well, via the Bank St entrance, but all visitors will be screened for weapons. Likewise the Pocahontas building, which will have its main entrance on Main St open. Visitors seeking to speak to their legislators in either building will be able to do so; session will open as normal.
Hours
Lobby organizers say shuttle service will begin at 7 a.m. and end at 3 p.m., although the event itself will be held from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.. Access to Capitol Square begins at 7 a.m. Security will let visitors into the Pocahontas building at 8 a.m. and into the Capitol Building at 9 a.m.
Restaurants, Food, Restrooms
Port-a-potties are available around the Capitol, but food and regular retail services will be unpredictable. There are no bathrooms within the square. Area businesses may be closed, so plan accordingly. Jo-Jo’s Pizza at 1201 E. Main St told Channel 8 they’ll remain open, but the nearest convenience store, a 7-Eleven, will be closed.
Temperatures will likely remain below freezing throughout the morning. Police encourage visitors to dress warmly and bring water.
