City officials urge residents to avoid Center City and the Ben Franklin Parkway corridor as thousands are expected for a march organized by Indivisible Philadelphia.
City officials have announced extensive road closures, parking restrictions and transit detours ahead of the “No Kings 3” march and rally scheduled for Saturday, as large crowds are expected to gather in Center City and along the Ben Franklin Parkway.
The demonstration, organized by Indivisible Philadelphia, is set to begin around midday on March 28, with participants assembling as early as 11 a.m. at Love Park (JFK Plaza), the north apron of Philadelphia City Hall, and nearby sections of John F. Kennedy Boulevard and North Broad Street.
Organizers plan for the march to step off between 12 p.m. and 12:30 p.m., proceeding north on 16th Street before turning onto the Parkway and continuing west toward 22nd Street, where a rally is scheduled from approximately 1:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
City officials said significant traffic disruptions are expected throughout the day, warning motorists to avoid the area and use alternative routes or public transportation. “Based on expected crowd size, closures of adjacent and nearby roadways may be implemented to ensure public safety,” the city said in a statement.
Road Closures Begin Early
Closures will begin as early as 5 a.m., initially affecting center lanes of the Parkway between 20th and 22nd Streets. Additional closures will expand throughout the morning, including full shutdowns of portions of the Parkway, Arch Street, 15th and 16th Streets, and key sections of John F. Kennedy Boulevard.
By mid-morning, streets surrounding the march assembly area and route will be closed, with restrictions expected to remain in place into the afternoon. Roads near the rally site between 18th Street and Binswanger Triangle are expected to remain closed until approximately 5 p.m., with some setup-related closures lasting until 7 p.m.
Officials noted that additional closures could be implemented depending on crowd conditions, and streets will reopen gradually as they are cleared.
Parking Restrictions and Transit Detours
The city also warned of strict parking enforcement, with “Temporary No Parking” zones in effect. Vehicles left in restricted areas will be relocated, and drivers are advised to contact their local police district if their vehicle is moved.
Public transportation will also be affected. SEPTA bus routes — including 2, 4, 7, 16, 27, 31, 32, 33, 38, 43, 44, 48, 49, 124 and 125 — will be detoured starting at 8 a.m. through approximately 4 p.m.
Officials encouraged the use of rail services, including the Market-Frankford Line and Broad Street Line, as alternatives to driving.
Safety and Preparedness
Authorities urged attendees to remain vigilant and follow basic safety precautions, including reporting unattended bags or suspicious activity to police. In emergencies, residents are advised to call 911.
City officials also recommended that those attending the demonstration plan ahead for transportation, dress appropriately for the weather and keep close supervision of children in crowded areas.
Residents can receive real-time updates by signing up for ReadyPhiladelphia text alerts or following emergency management and police departments on social media.
The “No Kings 3” protest is part of a broader wave of demonstrations taking place nationwide, with Philadelphia expected to draw one of the region’s largest turnouts.