Temporary Emergency Closure Order Public Notice

News Release Date:
March 29, 2024

Contact:Shannon McLucas

Pursuant to the authority outlined in 36 C.F.R. § 1.5(a)(1), which provides that the Superintendent may "impose public use limits, or close all or a portion of a park area to all public use or to a specific use or activity," as necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety, the following areas are closed:
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine and its West Lawn area. The West Lawn is located on the right side of the entrance road as you enter through the gate on Fort Avenue. During the closure, the designated First Amendment area on the West Lawn area will be unavailable and those wishing to exercise their First Amendment rights may use the area on the East Lawn adjacent to the Star Fort Trail. Attached map shows closed area outlined in red.

On March 29, 2024, the following areas are closed from 9:00 A.M. until 10:00 A.M.-- Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. From 2:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M., the following areas will be closed-the West Lawn area of Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. These closures are to
facilitate an official U.S. Coast Guard visit to assess the damage associated with the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse.

This emergency temporary closure order responds to considerable public safety concerns associated with the response to the recent collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland. The closure times may be adjusted as necessary based on the needs of the U.S Coast Guard.

Notice will be provided of any additional closures or lifting of this closure. Violating a closure, schedule of visiting hours, or public use limit is prohibited.

Signed: Robert Stewart, Acting Superintendent
March 29, 2024
Notice on file.

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