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overnor-elect Patrick Morrisey's inauguration, set for Jan. 13, will bring both festivities and road closures to West Virginia's capital city.

On Monday, the celebrations begin with a faith-based prayer breakfast at 9 a.m. at the Culture Center at the Capitol Complex, 1900 Kanawha Boulevard East in Charleston. The breakfast is free, but registration is required.

Following the breakfast, Morrisey will be sworn in at the Capitol Complex’s North Circle. The ceremony begins at 11 a.m. and will feature various political guests. Attendees may enjoy refreshments following the swearing-in at the Culture Center.

At 1:30 p.m., an Inaugural Parade steps off along Kanawha Boulevard, between Morris Street and California Avenue. The parade marks the first such inaugural event in almost 16 years.

A concert featuring performances by Shenandoah and the Marshall Tucker Band takes place at 5:30 p.m. at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center. Tickets cost $10 per person. Fireworks will follow the concert.

Other events planned for Morrisey's inauguration include an invite-only cocktail reception and a $100-per-person Inaugural Dinner and Ball. A full schedule and tickets are available on the web.

Morrisey, a Republican, won West Virginia's gubernatorial race in 2024 with 62 percent of the overall vote. He defeated Democratic challenger Steve Williams, the former mayor of Huntington, in November's election.

The race for governor was particularly close in Kanawha County, where Morrisey outpaced his opponent by a mere 0.9 percent of votes.

Traffic closures

Due to the inaugural events, portions of Charleston’s downtown and East End will see traffic closures on Jan. 13.

Beginning at 9:30 a.m., sections of Kanawha Boulevard from Court Street to Greenbrier Street will see event-related closures. The closures will last until 3 p.m. According to information provided by city officials, during those hours:

• One lane will be open from 1108 Kanawha Blvd. to Leon Sullivan Way;
• Leon Sullivan Way will be two-way traffic during this time;
• One lane will be open at Kanawha Boulevard and Brooks Street to allow vehicles exiting the Kanawha Boulevard-facing garage at 1202 Kanawha Blvd to exit onto Kanawha Boulevard, then to Brooks Street;
• Customers of Pioneer Appalachia Federal Credit Union will exit via Virginia Street; and
• One lane will be open for the Miller Lot (under the Southside Bridge) to allow vehicles to exit onto Kanawha Boulevard, and then to Hale Street.

Additionally, Clendenin Street from Quarrier Street to Lee Street will be closed beginning at 2 p.m. The street will reopen following the concert.

More information on street closures is available on the city of Charleston’s website.