Public Presentation On Pope's Visit To Lower Merion Set For Wednesday

With rumors and unofficial – and often conflicting – road-closure and security maps circulating around the internet, filling the void left by the lack of solid details, locals could be forgiven for feeling some anxiety over the effect Pope Francis’ visit to Philadelphia will have on them next month.

In an effort to prepare residents in the Main Line area, and specifically those near Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood, where the pope plans to visit on Sunday, Sept. 27, Lower Merion Township Police Superintendent Michael McGrath will give a public presentation Wednesday night to lay out what locals can expect.

“When you consider something like 6,000 to 7,000 buses descending on the Philadelphia area, there’s going to be a lot of people coming in,” said McGrath on Tuesday. “As far as SEPTA goes, none of our stations in Lower Merion will be open, so that mitigates it somewhat for us.

“However, traffic will most likely be impacted on Route 1/City Avenue,” he added. “We’re right on the border with Philadelphia, so you imagine there will be a ripple effect.”

The police superintendent said he will not be releasing any security details at this time. However, he added that officials have been working with federal agencies, including the Secret Service, in coordinating security for the Pope Francis’ stop visit to the seminary.

McGrath will give his presentation during tomorrow’s police committee meeting, scheduled for 6:50 p.m. at the township administration building, located at 75 E. Lancaster Avenue.

The presentation is already available online.

The Philadelphia area’s population is expected to explode by about 1.5 million people during the weekend of Pope Francis’ visit, according to McGrath. In his presentation, he states that residents, business owners and travelers should keep in mind the following:

• Be prepared to walk to your destination after debarking transit – up to a couple of miles on the weekend.
• Private vehicles will not be a viable transportation option in Philadelphia.
• Public transportation routes and schedules will be vastly altered for efficiency and capacity.

As far as local impact in the Lower Merion area, McGrath said resident can expect:

• Heavy traffic along west-to-east crossroads, including routes 23 and 30, as well as Montgomery Avenue.
• Schedule changes to weekend school activities and business hours, as well as some cancelled sporting events.

McGrath is urging locals to plan ahead in regard to grocery shopping and gassing up the car. Families should check with their schools about any schedule changes.

Residents are also encouraged to sign up for Blackboard Connection on the township website, and use the MontcoSAFER links on the Montgomery County and Lower Merion police websites. The new “Go Philadelphia!” app is also be providing details about key events and activities in Philadelphia throughout the World Meeting of Families and the pope’s visit.

Here is his itinerary for the Philadelphia portion of his trip, according to the Vatican:

Saturday, Sept. 26

• 8:40 a.m. Departure from John F. Kennedy International Airport
• 9:30 a.m. Arrival at Atlantic Aviation, Philadelphia
• 10:30 a.m. Mass at Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul, Philadelphia
• 4:45 p.m. Visit to Independence Mall
• 7:30 p.m. Visit to the Festival of Families Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Sunday, Sept. 27

• 9:15 a.m. Meeting with bishops at at St. Martin’s Chapel, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary
• 11:00 a.m. Visit to Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility
• 4:00 p.m. Mass for the conclusion of the World Meeting of Families, Benjamin Franklin Parkway
• 7:00 p.m. Visit with organizers, volunteers and benefactors of the World Meeting of Families, Atlantic Aviation
• 8:00 p.m. Departure for Rome