President Barack Obama's public inauguration is Monday. 

Here's information from the White House on how to get tickets, and from the Maryland State Highway Administration on how to navigate the traffic.

If you want to watch the event from the National Mall, it is completely open to the public starting at 4th Street NW, according to a news release from the White House.

Areas closer to the Capitol are ticketed, it states. To get tickets for Obama's swearing-in or other events, visit the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies information page.

Tickets are not needed for the inaugural parade after the swearing-in. But you need them if you want to access the bleachers, the release states.

Public access points to the parade are available between 4th and 14th streets.

For more information, check out the website of the Presidential Inauguration Committee.

From Eldersburg

As you head into D.C. from Carroll County, MD, keep in mind that traffic is expected to be light that day because it's the federal holiday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Traffic "will be heaviest in the D.C. region from 8 a.m. until noon," the SHA release states.

You'll see extra traffic signage and more along the way.

Driving is one way to get there, but public transportation is the best way, including carpooling and using Park & Rides, the release states. Also, "arrive early if parking or using the Washington Metro system."

Plan your trip using the following:

• Take the MARC train, with commemorative tickets. Buy tickets in person through Jan. 18, at the MTA Transit store, 6 St. Paul St., Baltimore, or at the station on inauguration day. Round trip tickets may be purchased for $25, cash only.
• More MTA options in Maryland
• Real time traffic information is available at www.MD511.org or by calling 511 or 1-855-GO511MD
• View traffic cameras and other Maryland traffic information
• How to use Park & Ride
• Info on Washington DC road closures

As always, to monitor your trip from Eldersburg, visit the Commute map on Eldersburg Patch, it begins right in Eldersburg and you can drag along your planned route, seeing traffic backups and road closings.

For motorists' safety, the following are among the precautions officials will take, according to the release:

• The Maryland State Police will tow abandoned or illegally parked vehicles along state and interstate routes
• SHA will have extra State Farm Safety patrols along I-95, I-495, I-270 and other major roads to assist stranded motorists
• Maryland’s high occupancy vehicle lanes along I-270 and US 50 will be open to all traffic and occupancy requirements lifted

Will you be going to the inauguration? Why or why not? Tell us in the comments section.