To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the tragic events that took place on September 11, 2001, America's 9/11 Foundation is holding its annual 3-day event that draws thousands of motorcyclists, official vehicles, and onlookers along the motorcycle route from Shanksville, Pennsylvania, to “Ground Zero” in New York City, via the Pentagon. This year, the annual memorial ride will be held from Thursday, August 18, 2011 through Sunday, August 21, 2011, with the participants reaching the Washington, DC/Pentagon area in the afternoon on August 19th. 

The Federal Government in the Washington, DC, area will remain “OPEN” on August 19th. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is committed to maintaining productivity and continuity of operations during this event, while ensuring the safety of Federal employees and the public. Due to the increase in traffic and related commuting disruptions on this day, Federal employees who work in Northern Virginia and the downtown Washington, DC, area should expect significant commuting delays and travel disruptions. Those employees should allow extra time for travel to and from work whether by private vehicle or public transportation.

To help alleviate traffic congestion, we are fortunate to have several human resources flexibilities that will allow employees to continue to work, re-arrange their work schedules, or take leave.  Accordingly, OPM strongly urges the use of telework to keep the Government operating while helping to minimize traffic congestion and unproductive time during this event. Employees who can be spared from their duties may also request to adjust their work schedule and use their alternative work schedule day off or take annual leave, leave without pay, and/or previously earned compensatory time off or earned credit hours under a flexible work schedule. 

For more information about potential traffic disruptions and road closures related to the America’s 9/11 Foundation Motorcycle Ride, please visit the Virginia Department of Transportation’s website at http://www.virginiadot.org/default_noflash.asp

For additional guidance, agency Chief Human Capital Officers and Human Resources Directors may contact their assigned OPM Human Capital Officers. Employees should contact their agency human resources offices for assistance.

cc: Human Resources Directors