Drivers in East Walnut Hills are in for a headache this weekend, as a chunk of the neighborhood around Vice President JD Vance's Cincinnati home is set to close to through traffic from Friday afternoon, March 20, through Sunday evening, March 22, according to city officials. The shutdown centers on parts of William Howard Taft Road and Collins Avenue, with traffic funneled through checkpoints and pushed onto marked detour routes. Expect delays, and expect them to linger.
What Will Be Closed
According to WKRC Local 12, the closure zone covers:
- William Howard Taft Road between Torrence Parkway and East McMillan Street
- Collins Avenue between Riverside Drive and William Howard Taft Road
- Gladstone Avenue, Taft Road Lane and Heatherhill Lane
WKRC reports that sidewalks along those stretches are also restricted, so it is not just drivers who will be redirected. The notice pegs the closure window from Friday afternoon through Sunday evening.
Checkpoints, Detours and Access
WCPO reports that people who live inside the closed area will not be completely boxed in. Residents can enter through three marked security checkpoints located at:
- William Howard Taft Road and Torrence Parkway
- William Howard Taft Road and East McMillan Street
- Riverside Drive and Collins Avenue, which is listed as pedestrian entry only
WCPO notes that delivery trucks and commercial services can use the checkpoints to reach homes and businesses, although drivers should expect to interact with law enforcement on the way in. Anyone just passing through is urged to take alternate routes, with Torrence Parkway, Madison Road and Woodburn Avenue flagged as the main detours.
Why The Closures, And Federal Coordination
The city's traffic alert does not spell out a reason for the clampdown. However, WKRC Local 12 points out that Vice President JD Vance's Cincinnati residence sits inside the closure area. That timing is unlikely to strike locals as a coincidence.
As for who is calling the shots, the U.S. Secret Service told local media that it works with local law enforcement to maintain safety while trying to keep disruption in check, and that it generally does not discuss operational methods, WLWT reported. Translation for drivers and pedestrians, expect a noticeable security presence wherever those checkpoints are staffed.
Not The First Time
This weekend is not some one off. Local coverage and city alerts have documented similar multi day shutdowns around Taft Road before, including last summer and again over New Year's, when the same cluster of streets and checkpoints was in play, according to WXIX (FOX19). Those earlier closures also allowed residents and delivery drivers through the checkpoints while shunting regular through traffic around the neighborhood.
If you are heading through East Walnut Hills this weekend, plan for extra time, follow the detour signs and be ready to stop at checkpoints staffed by law enforcement. City officials recommend checking the latest updates on City of Cincinnati traffic alerts and local news before you hit the road, in case the schedule shifts.
