Expect road closures, tight security for Barbara Bush's viewing, memorial service

HOUSTON – People should expect road closures and tight security around the church where the viewing and memorial service will be held for former first lady Barbara Bush, Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said.

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Bush died Tuesday at her Houston home. She was 92.

Several law enforcement agencies gathered for a joint news conference to explain the traffic and safety plans for Friday’s public viewing and Saturday’s memorial service at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church just off Woodway Drive.

Acevedo said that a soft closure of Woodway Drive from Chimney Rock Road to South Post Oak Lane will begin between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. Friday ahead of the public viewing that is scheduled to begin at noon. He said the soft closure means only traffic of people who live or work in the area will be allowed inside the perimeter.

A hard closure of traffic, meaning no vehicles are allowed in or out of the perimeter, will begin at midnight Friday and will remain in effect until the procession leaves the church for College Station, where Bush will be buried, Acevedo said.

Drivers can expect heavy traffic in the area, especially near the exits for Woodway Drive and Post Oak Boulevard from the West Loop.

“Please plan ahead and avoid the area if at all possible,” Acevedo said.

Acevedo said that everyone who attends the viewing must go to Second Baptist Church at Voss Road and Woodway Drive for a security screening and to board a bus for the church. He said no backpacks, large bags or weapons will be allowed. No photography will be permitted, he said. He said only people on board the buses will be allowed inside the church, and foot traffic is not allowed.

"Treat this as if you're going to a sporting event or to an airport," Acevedo said.

The chief said that people who want to watch the procession can do so at Memorial Park and on overpasses that have sidewalks. Drivers should legally park and then walk to the park or overpasses, he said.

Houston’s emergency operations center will be open from Friday until all of the events have ended on Saturday, Acevedo said.

The chief reminded the public that if they see or hear something suspicious, they should notify law enforcement right away.