WASHINGTON — Transportation leaders and law enforcement warned commuters and travelers on Sunday to expect more delays this week if driving on or near the Capital Beltway as traffic will likely be disrupted as a result of truck convoy protests.
Backups and slowdowns began on Sunday along I-495 as the "People's Convoy" headed south from Hagerstown Speedway with hundreds of trucks and other vehicles.
The convoy did two laps around the beltway before heading back to the staging area later on in the day.
This week, other convoy protests will converge in the region.
Speaking to WUSA 9 Sunday, DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA) director Chris Rodriguez said the district's request for National Guard troops to help with traffic control had been extended to this upcoming Wednesday.
For the past month, he said DC officials have been preparing for the truck convoys and impacts to roads.
Rodriguez added that his district office has been in contact with law enforcement and transportation leaders in both the region and across the country.
"As we saw some of the convoys leaving the West Coast and traversing multiple states, we’ve been in contact with each of those state police entities," he said. "This is a regional event. Our coordination and cooperation with Maryland and Virginia are paramount.”
Maryland State Police released a statement on Sunday about the protests and said drivers should allow for extra time for traveling this week as a result of the congestion.
"While public safety remains a priority and we work to fulfill our statewide law enforcement responsibilities, the Maryland State Police respects the public’s First Amendment rights," the statement read. "Law enforcement personnel are working to maintain the flow of traffic and alleviate congestion as they make their way to the region and to the I-495 Capital Beltway.
Troopers from our Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division, Automotive Safety Enforcement Division and barracks statewide have been deployed and will address any violations of the law. We remain in constant contact with our federal, state and local partners to mitigate traffic disruptions as commercial, recreational and passenger vehicles travel throughout Maryland and neighboring states."
Virginia State Police echoed the concerns and said it had been in contact with organizers for the protests for updates on the routes they will use and when they will be out on the roads.
Multiple convoy organizers who have spoken to WUSA 9 over the past few weeks said the protests were put together with the intention of remaining peaceful.
Maryland and Virginia State Police reported no issues with the convoy drivers on Sunday.
Moving forward, Chris Rodriguez recommended commuters and travelers leave earlier than normal this week or take public transportation to cut down on the impact of the extra traffic.
"A lot of this remains unpredictable and it does remain a fluid situation," he said. "We ask for residents' patience over the next several days and allowing more time for your commute.”