KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- The 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks will be commemorated on 11 September at the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Arlington, and the Flight 93 National Memorial near Shanksville.
- In Lower Manhattan, major traffic restrictions take effect at 0600 local time, with public access to the fenced memorial plaza restricted from 2200 on 10 September until 1500 on 11 September.
- The 1-subway line will skip WTC Cortlandt station in both directions, and Liberty Park will remain closed to the public throughout 11 September.
- Attendance at the Arlington ceremony is at or near capacity with extremely limited parking, and visitors to Flight 93 National Memorial should expect designated parking and shuttle arrangements for morning observances.
The 25th anniversary of September 11 will be commemorated across the United States on 11 September, with major events centred on the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon area in Arlington, Virginia, and the Flight 93 National Memorial near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The anniversary is expected to bring increased visitor, official and media activity to all three sites, alongside enhanced security, controlled access and temporary transportation restrictions, with the greatest localised disruption anticipated around Lower Manhattan.
What are the 25th anniversary commemoration timings?
In New York, the ceremony at the 9/11 Memorial begins at 0830 local time, with the first moment of silence at 0846 and family members reading the names of those killed. Access to the Memorial plaza is restricted to eligible family members. At the Pentagon, the US Army’s live-streamed Observance Ceremony begins at 0900, while Arlington County holds its own ceremony at Fire Station 5 from 1100 to 1200, an event already at or near capacity with extremely limited parking. At Flight 93 National Memorial, public observances run 0830-1030 and 1300-1430 at the Wall of Names.
What security measures are in place in New York?
Temporary fencing surrounds the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, with designated pedestrian access along Greenwich Street between Liberty and Vesey Streets. Public access to the fenced memorial area is restricted from 2200 on 10 September to 1500 on 11 September, after which pedestrians entering through designated points undergo security screening. Liberty Park remains closed to the public throughout 11 September. Officials have stated there are no specific or credible threats against New York City at this time, though additional precautions are being taken given the significance of the event.
Which roads and transit lines will be affected?
Major traffic restrictions take effect in Lower Manhattan at 0600 local time, closing streets in the area bounded by Chambers Street, Morris/Edgar/Rector/Joseph P. Ward Streets and West Street, among others. No vehicular traffic will be allowed south of Canal Street to Battery Place between Broadway and West Street, though Broadway remains open southbound for non-truck traffic and the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel stays open. The 1-subway line will skip WTC Cortlandt station in both directions, while PATH is scheduled to maintain regular weekday service with modified pedestrian routes. In Arlington, S. Hayes Street between 15th Street S and S Fern Street will be closed from 0600 to 1500 around Fire Station 5.
What should organisations do?
Businesses with offices, employees or regular operations in Lower Manhattan, Arlington or Shanksville should review access arrangements for 11 September, reschedule non-essential meetings and deliveries near commemoration sites, and coordinate with building management on entry points. Those needing to drive through Manhattan are advised to stay north of the security zone, using routes above Chambers Street and avenues further east for north-south travel, and to consider flexible or remote working where operationally feasible during the main commemoration period.
Frequently asked questions
When does the World Trade Center memorial plaza reopen on 11 September?
Public access to the fenced memorial area is restricted from 2200 on 10 September until 1500 on 11 September, after which visitors enter through designated screening points.
Will the subway be affected near the World Trade Center?
Yes. The 1-subway line will skip WTC Cortlandt station in both directions on 11 September; PATH is expected to run a regular weekday schedule.
Can I attend the Arlington ceremony?
Attendance is at or near capacity with extremely limited on-site parking; Arlington County is providing satellite viewing locations for the community.
Download the full advisory now
MitKat’s Special Advisory on the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks carries the full event timeline, a Lower Manhattan road-closure map, security and access details for all three commemoration sites, and complete recommendations for businesses and individuals. Download the full advisory now to brief your travel and operations teams.
Filed under: AmericasThreat Intelligence Special Reports