City prepares for Trump rally with traffic, parking restrictions in Reading

October 31, 2024 - 02:55 AM - Berks Weekly

Reading officials are preparing for an anticipated rally by former President and current presidential candidate Donald Trump on Monday, November 4, 2024, issuing a traffic alert and announcing significant street closures around the Santander Arena. Though the Trump campaign has yet to confirm the rally officially as of Wednesday night on their website, the Reading Police Department released details which include planned road and parking restrictions.

The announcement follows a series of recent stops by the Trump campaign in Berks County, underscoring the area’s strategic role in the final days leading up to the 2024 election. Former President Trump previously drew large crowds to the Santander Arena on October 10, and his running mate, Senator JD Vance, has made multiple appearances in the area, first at a rally on September 22 at the Berks County Fairgrounds and again for a town hall at Reading Regional Airport on October 12.

In preparation for Monday’s rally, portions of Cherry Street and Penn Street will be closed starting at 6:00 a.m. and remain restricted throughout the day, with intermittent closures along Penn Street and the Penn Street Bridge as crowd and traffic volumes are expected to peak. Parking will also be prohibited along these streets starting early Monday morning, and any vehicles left in these zones risk being towed. Authorities are advising residents and visitors to avoid the area if possible and to consider alternative routes, such as the Bingaman Street Bridge and Route 12, to bypass anticipated congestion.

While the city has taken steps to minimize disruptions, officials noted that the rally plan is subject to change. They encourage the public to stay updated on road conditions and potential adjustments to the traffic plan.

This rally, if confirmed, would cap a series of high-profile campaign events in the Reading area, underscoring the importance of Pennsylvania in the current election cycle. With the Trump campaign making a sustained push in Berks County, the area is poised to play a notable role as Election Day approaches.