AAA's prediction: 'You can expect massive gridlock'

WASHINGTON - The Secret Service's plan to shut down the Potomac River bridges may cause more problems than expected as people ignore the restrictions for the inauguration and drive anyway.

"I think some people will be so bull-headed they'll still try to drive," AAA Mid-Atlantic spokesman John Townsend tells WTOP.

"Those people, meaning those who live in Northern Virginia, will try other ways to circumvent the system and circumnavigate the whole transportation system, putting additional pressure on not only the American Legion Bridge but also the Wilson Bridge.

"You can expect massive gridlock."

The American Legion and Wilson Bridges are the only Potomac River bridges that will be open to traffic. Interstates 395 and 66 inside the Capital Beltway also will be closed. Click here for a list of road restrictions.

Townsend says he understands why the Secret Service wants the security so tight, but he says the plan is "over the top" and should have involved input from someone representing drivers.

"I think motorists will be stressed out. I think pedestrians will be stressed out. I think people who want to attend the inauguration are stressed out over this."

Townsend says Metro can only accommodate 120,000 people a hour and will be "overtaxed and overburdened."

"People will be stuck underground in the District for hours trying to get home," he says.

"My concern is what happens if you have a snow storm or inclement weather or god forbid, the worst case scenario, and people are literally stuck underground for hours."

His advice: "It would be wise if no one drove."

And, where will he be?

"I'll be on the bus," he jokes.

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