Traffic Advisory: Peaceful Pilgrimage Ahead
Published on February 6, 2026
ARLINGTON, VA. – Get ready for a significant and peaceful event! Buddhist monks are embarking on a meaningful Walk for Peace, making their way from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C. These dedicated participants will be traversing Arlington County on Monday, February 9, and Tuesday, February 10. To ensure the safety of both the monks and the onlookers, the Arlington County Police Department will implement rolling road closures along the route they will be walking. This means that motorists should anticipate traffic disruptions and are strongly advised to plan their journeys accordingly, considering alternative routes.
Important Information for Spectators
- We kindly request that spectators respectfully line the streets alongside the route.
- For safety reasons, please refrain from walking behind or following the monks.
- It is crucial to stay clear of roadways and not obstruct traffic in any way.
- Avoid touching, approaching, or stepping in front of the monks to maintain their focus and peace.
- Always keep a respectful distance, allowing the monks to initiate any interactions if desired.
- Adhere to all instructions provided by law enforcement and event coordinators.
- The monks are fully equipped for their pilgrimage with all necessary supplies, including food and footwear, and are not accepting any material donations at this time.
Route Details
For those interested, a live map of the Walk for Peace can be found here. Below are additional details regarding their anticipated route:
Monday, February 9 – Expected Arrival in Early Afternoon
The official timing will depend on the monks' progress and well-being.
- They will depart from Alexandria and enter Arlington County via Route 1.
- Right turn onto Crystal Drive.
- Crystal Drive transforms into 12th Street S.
- Right onto Army Navy Drive.
- Right onto S. Joyce Street.
- A left turn onto Columbia Pike.
- Right onto Washington Boulevard.
- Right turn onto N. Glebe Road.
- The journey will conclude at Marymount University, where there will be short welcoming remarks from President Irma Becerra, followed by brief comments from the monks. Members of the public are invited to gather in front of the Administration Building (Rixey Mansion) to witness and listen to this welcoming session, which is expected to last about 5-10 minutes. No further public events are scheduled afterwards.
To ensure spectator safety, please avoid lining the route on Monday at the following locations:
* S. Joyce Street between Army Navy Drive and Columbia Pike.
* Columbia Pike from S. Joyce Street to Washington Boulevard.
* Washington Boulevard from Columbia Pike to N. Pershing Drive.
Tuesday, February 10 – Expected Start at 7 a.m.
* The monks will leave Marymount University – There is no public event planned at the university.
* Right turn onto N. Glebe Road.
* Right onto Chain Bridge Road.
* Finally, they will exit Arlington County.
Again, for spectator safety, please do not line the route on Tuesday at this location:
* N. Glebe Road from N. River Street to Chain Bridge Road.
Stay Updated
Be aware that details concerning the Walk for Peace may change depending on the monks' progress and overall health. To stay informed, follow the Arlington County Police Department on X (here), Bluesky (here) and Facebook (here). Additionally, you can register for Arlington Alert (here) to receive emergency notifications and other important updates from the Arlington County Government.
