The City of Reading and the Reading Police Traffic Office have announced significant traffic and parking restrictions in anticipation of former President Donald Trump’s rally at Santander Arena on Wednesday, October 9. The restrictions are aimed at managing the expected influx of people and vehicles in downtown Reading throughout the day.
Key portions of Cherry Street and Penn Street will be closed starting at 8:00 AM on Wednesday and will remain closed for the duration of the day. Parking will also be prohibited on these streets from 8:00 AM onwards, and any vehicles left parked in these areas after that time will be towed.
City officials urge residents and visitors to avoid the downtown area if possible due to the likely increase in traffic and congestion. Those who need to travel to and from the city are encouraged to use alternate routes, such as the Bingaman Street Bridge (Lancaster Avenue Exit or Route 12), to minimize delays.
In addition to the full closure of Cherry Street and portions of Penn Street, there will be intermittent closures along Penn Street and the Penn Street Bridge during the rally.
City services may also experience disruptions, including daily inspections conducted by the Property Maintenance Department. Property owners will be notified if inspections need to be rescheduled, and the city will work to minimize the impact on residents and businesses.
For any questions or concerns related to the road closures or city services affected by the rally, residents can contact the Citizens Service Center via email at csc@readingpa.gov, by phone at 877-727-3234, or through the Reading311 app.
