HomeMy Public PortalAboutTOL PR 2011-08-04 9-11 Ride #1
Town of Leesburg
News Release
For Immediate Release
America’s 9/11 Foundation Ride To Travel Through Leesburg
on Friday, August 19, 2011
Significant traffic delays are expected throughout the region during the ride.
Drivers are advised to seek alternate routes.
Leesburg, VA (August 4, 2011) – America’s 9/11 Foundation, Inc. holds an annual commemorative
motorcycle ride in remembrance of all who lost their lives in the September 11, 2001 attacks, aftermath
and recovery. The ride travels from Somerset, Pennsylvania to the Pentagon, then to the site of the
World Trade Center in New York City. On Friday, August 19, 2011, the motorcycle procession will travel
through Leesburg, possibly beginning as early as 2:00 p.m.
With more than 1,800 motorcycles expected to participate in this year’s ride, the entire procession
could take over two hours to travel through the Town. During the procession, King Street from the
northern Town limits to the Route 7/15 Bypass will be closed to traffic. All King Street intersections will
also be closed to east-west cross traffic, both vehicular and pedestrian. Significant traffic delays are
expected to occur throughout the region during the afternoon and early evening hours on Friday,
August 19, 2011.
“Our primary concern during this event is the safety of all involved,” said Joseph Price, Leesburg’s Chief
of Police. “We are doing everything possible to facilitate a safe ride – for both riders and spectators – as
well as lessen the impact on traffic within the Town of Leesburg and in the surrounding area. Since this
year marks the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, the motorcycle ride is expected to be three or four
times larger than in previous years. In the past, the ride has taken 40 to 45 minutes to travel through
Town. This year, we are anticipating that King Street will be closed for several hours, and that closure
will create significant traffic backups not just in Leesburg, but throughout the region.”
Leesburg officials strongly recommend that residents, employees and commuters adjust their travel
plans to minimize the impact of the road closures. Detailed information about the ride route, road
closures and detour routes is available on the Town of Leesburg website at
www.leesburgva.gov/index.aspx?page=1472.
Contact:
Betsy Fields
Research & Communications Manager
bfields@leesburgva.gov
703-771-2734
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