Buddhist Monks' 'Walk for Peace' Prompts Road Closures in Alexandria

The 2,300-mile pilgrimage from Texas to D.C. will pass through the city on Monday, February 9.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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A group of 19 Buddhist monks traveling from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C. on a 'Walk for Peace' pilgrimage is scheduled to pass through Alexandria, Virginia on Monday, February 9. The Alexandria Police Department will conduct rolling road closures along the monks' route to ensure the safety of participants and spectators.

Why it matters

The 'Walk for Peace' highlights the monks' message of nonviolence and their effort to spread a peaceful message across the country. However, the event will cause traffic disruptions and road closures in Alexandria, which residents should be aware of.

The details

The monks and their dog Aloka began their 2,300-mile walk on October 26 and are expected to arrive in D.C. on February 10. In Alexandria, the group will enter the city at the 1200 block of S. Washington St. and proceed northbound through Old Town to Christ Church, where they will hold a public talk around noon. Rolling road closures along the route are anticipated from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and additional closures will be in effect for the Peace Talk event at Christ Church from 6:15 a.m. to 2 p.m.

  • The 'Walk for Peace' is expected to enter Alexandria at about 9 a.m. on Monday, February 9.
  • Rolling road closures along the route are anticipated from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on February 9.
  • Additional road closures for the Peace Talk event at Christ Church will be in effect from 6:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. on February 9.

The players

Buddhist Monks

A group of 19 Buddhist monks traveling from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C. on a 'Walk for Peace' pilgrimage.

Aloka

The dog accompanying the Buddhist monks on their 'Walk for Peace' pilgrimage.

Alexandria Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that will conduct rolling road closures to ensure the safety of participants and spectators during the 'Walk for Peace' event.

Christ Church

The church in Alexandria where the Buddhist monks will hold a public talk around noon on February 9.

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What’s next

The group will continue their journey northbound into Arlington County via Route 1 after the event in Alexandria.

The takeaway

The 'Walk for Peace' highlights the monks' message of nonviolence and their effort to spread a peaceful message across the country, but it will also cause temporary traffic disruptions and road closures in Alexandria that residents should be aware of.