As Philadelphia gears up to host this year’s presidential debate, the City of Philadelphia today released road closures, parking restrictions, and other preparation details associated with the debate to help inform residents, businesses, and visitors of impacts. The debate will start at 9 p.m. on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, in Philadelphia at the National Constitution Center (NCC) at 6th and Arch Streets in Philadelphia. A map of these plans is available here.
Public Safety Updates
The City of Philadelphia has been planning for the November 5th General Election for several months with partners on the city, state, and federal levels. When the debate was announced in early August, Philadelphia Police and the Office of Emergency Management began focused meetings with many of those same departments and agencies to understand the impact on the city.
The Philadelphia Police Department remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all during the upcoming event. In light of this, PPD has made adjustments to ensure that a significant number of resources will be deployed in the area to manage traffic and crowd control while maintaining order. Additionally, similar adjustments have been made to ensure that there will be adequate staffing throughout the city, allowing the department to continue providing quality police services to all Philadelphia residents.
The City’s Emergency Operations Center, operated by the Office of Emergency Management, will be activated Tuesday to bring agencies together during the response. This allows for real-time decision-making and provides a common operating picture for departments and agencies involved in the response.
FAA regulations prohibit sUAS/drone usage above crowds. If someone sees a drone, please report the location and description of the operator to the nearest public safety official.
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 a business 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 public safety 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.
