What to know about road closures, bus detours for Philadelphia's 'No Kings Protest' on Saturday

The City of Philadelphia announced it will implement several road closures, parking restrictions and SEPTA bus detours in preparation for this weekend’s “No Kings Protest.” 

Philadelphia is one of many cities preparing for protests against the Trump administration's policies this Saturday. Thousands of protests were planned on the same day as Trump’s scheduled military parade in Washington, D.C., marking the U.S. Army's 250th birthday.

The Philadelphia protest is expected to start around noon on Saturday, but progressive groups may begin gathering as early as 10 a.m. Protesters will then march from Love Park to the Art Museum. 

City officials said they are expecting large crowds. 

Road closures will be enforced from 3 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and significant delays are expected. City officials advise drivers to use alternate routes during the event.  

Road Closers 

Some streets will be closed for the entire day, while others will only be closed for the approximate start and end times of the protest’s rally and march. 

The following streets will be closed from 3 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday: 

• Eakins Oval between Kelly Drive and MLK Drive (in front of the Art Museum)
• Kelly Drive inbound (closed at Fairmount Avenue)

The following streets will be closed from approximately 10 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. on Saturday: 

• Arch Street from 15th Street to 16th Street
• 16th Street from John F. Kennedy Boulevard to Cherry Street
• Benjamin Franklin Parkway from 16th Street to 17th Street

The following streets will be closed from 11:30 a.m. until approximately 2:30 p.m. on Saturday: 

• Benjamin Franklin Parkway (all lanes) from 18th Street to Eakins Oval (including closures of cross streets)

The following streets will be closed from approximately 11:30 a.m. until approximately 5 p.m. on Saturday:

• 2200-2300 Benjamin Franklin Parkway (including closures of cross streets)
• Spring Garden Street from Pennsylvania Avenue to Benjamin Franklin Parkway
• 23rd Street from Pennsylvania Avenue to Benjamin Franklin Parkway
• Kelly Drive (both directions) from Eakins Oval to Sedgley Drive
• Spring Garden Street Bridge (inbound)

To enforce public safety, additional road closures of cross streets may be announced based on crowd size and protest conditions. Closures will be lifted as streets are cleared. 

Parking Restrictions

According to the city’s release, motorists should take note of “Temporary No Parking/Stopping” signs during this time, as vehicles parked in these locations will be towed. If your car is relocated, you can call the district police of the area where your vehicle was parked. 

Public Transportation

SEPTA bus routes in the Philadelphia Museum of Art area will face detours beginning at 3 a.m. on Saturday.

SEPTA bus routes in the Center City area will face detours beginning at 8 a.m. on Saturday, through approximately 5 p.m.

More information about the SEPTA bus schedules and detours can be found at SEPTA.org.