Virginians See Bridge Closings As Dose of Northern Hospitality

"It does seem a little over the top to shut down all the bridges from Virginia into the city," Alexandria resident Paul Connolly said. "It's a bit of a symbolic snub to the bluest corner of the state that our president-elect fought so hard to win. We even have two Democrat senators now, and our governor is going to chair the DNC. Harumph!"

Linda Douglass, a spokeswoman for the Presidential Inaugural Committee, said the inaugural ceremonies will balance security and openness.

"We had to rely on the expert advice of all the transportation and law enforcement officials who put the plan together," she said. "Obviously there are capacity issues, security, safety and movement issues, but we are confident that what we will be able to achieve [is] an inauguration that unprecedented amounts of Americans can watch on the Mall or go to free events in ways we haven't seen before. Even though it may be a little time-consuming, people who are determined to be here in person will do it."

That didn't convince Terry Lynch, executive director of the Downtown Cluster of Congregations in the District.

"It's a bad start for this administration to put security concerns over access," he said. "We are the capital of the free world. What is the message of closing all the bridges?"

Alexandria Mayor William D. Euille (D), a member of the Metro board, said that "several million will descend on the Washington metro region. We need to ensure, protect and make certain that our residents and others can feel comfortable."

Euille encouraged area residents to take transit; he, however, plans to spend Monday night with friends in the District.

Alexandria resident Phil Hocker, 64, is trying to figure out a way to get his family to the inauguration and was furious about the announced restrictions.

"The Secret Service's plan to keep the inauguration secret is succeeding," he said. He also blames the Obama transition team for not putting its foot down with security officials. "If the motto of the campaign was 'Yes we can!' the motto of the inauguration is 'No you can't.' "

But Chris Zimmerman, chairman of the Metro board, said the closures are designed to move as many people as possible, not to keep people from coming.

He referred to the daily commuter fight to get into the city that can be disrupted by a minor accident, or, this week, by the closures near the Hay-Adams Hotel, where the Obamas are staying.

"It barely works in a normal workday, right?" said Zimmerman, who also is a member of the Arlington County Board. "If they didn't do this, nobody would be moving."