Inauguration crowds may overwhelm D.C.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 15 (UPI) -- Washington's roads and transit systems could be overwhelmed during U.S. President-elect Barack Obama's Jan. 20 inauguration, city officials warn.

They say that if even half of the expected 2 million to 4 million visitors follow through on their plans to jam into Washington for Obama's swearing-in, the city's transportation infrastructure will become impossibly overcrowded and attendees will likely be reduced to walking for miles, The Washington Post reported Monday.

Washington City Administrator Dan Tangherlini told the Post those planning to take the Metro subway or drive into the city to attend the inauguration will encounter tremendous traffic jams and packed buses and trains, and should consider watching on television instead.

"It's going to be a lot of walking, a lot of waiting, and you might not get too close to the president," Tangherlini said.

One reason is that security demands will force widespread street closures, severely restricting driving, parking and taxi availability in Washington. Highway exits will be closed, while Metro trains will be packed, especially after the ceremonies if millions of people try to leave at the same time, the newspaper said.