The inauguration ceremony for Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger is scheduled to take place at noon on Saturday, January 17, 2026, in Capitol Square, Richmond. To facilitate the event, several streets surrounding the Capitol complex will be closed starting at 7 a.m., with roadways expected to reopen around 4 p.m.
Street closures will begin at different times throughout the morning and early afternoon. Starting at 7:00 a.m., North 9th Street between Main and Broad Streets, Grace Street between 8th and 9th Streets, and Bank Street between 9th and 12th Streets will be closed. At 8:30 a.m., eastbound Broad Street between 9th and 14th Streets will be closed to all but event traffic. Additional closures at this time include eastbound Broad Street between 7th and 9th Streets as well as North 14th Street between Broad and Main Streets. From 12:30 p.m., North 8th Street between Broad and Grace Streets will also be closed.
Residents are advised of a sound advisory during the event. Loud blasts are expected around Capitol Square and downtown Richmond at approximately 12:31 p.m. This is due to planned howitzer cannon fire and an artillery salute by members of the Virginia Army National Guard, along with a military aircraft flyover by the Virginia Air National Guard as part of the inauguration ceremony. Authorities state there is no risk to public safety.
Further details about the inauguration can be found at www.spanbergerinauguration.com.
