If you live, work, or commute in Crystal City, be aware of upcoming traffic changes. The Arlington County Police Department announced that several roads will close to accommodate artificial intelligence festival AI Unlocked. The event is being held Friday, October 3, and Saturday, October 4, within Arlington’s National Landing in Crystal City.
Road Closures
Road closures due to AI Unlocked will begin on Wednesday, October 1, and continue through Sunday, October 5. They include:
- From 7 a.m. on October 1 to 4 p.m. on October 5, South Bell Street from 18th Street South to 20th Street South will be closed. Northbound-only traffic will be allowed from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- From approximately 6 a.m. on October 3 to 4 p.m. on October 5, the 200 and 300 block of 19th Court South will be closed.
- From approximately 7 p.m. on October 3 to 4 p.m. on October 5, the 200 block of 18th Street South will be closed. You can access parking garages between South Bell Street and Crystal Drive via the alley between 18th Street South and 20th Street South. Crystal Drive from 15th Street South to 20th Street South will also be closed. The northbound traffic lane will be restricted to the bus lane only from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. The Water Park Tower parking garage will be accessible.
ACPD says it may implement additional road closures in the interest of public safety. It encourages attendees to use the Crystal City Metro Station to access the area.
AI Unlocked
AI Unlocked is a free, immersive event. It begins at 10 a.m. on Friday at the Alamo Drafthouse with a morning and an afternoon session. Featured speakers will include U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman, Maithra Raghu, founder and CEO of Samaya AI, and Refik Anadol, director and co-founder of Refik Anadol Studio.
Saturday’s family-friendly programming will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Events will take place at the Alamo Drafthouse and at the National Landing Experience Center, water park, and outdoor stage. Attractions will include VR racing chair experiences, interactive digital art displays, and AI photobooths.
Feature image courtesy AI Unlocked
