Washington, DC, is getting ready for a big Fourth of July celebration marking the country’s 250th anniversary. For anyone planning to go into the city for the fireworks or other events, be aware of road closures and Metro schedules.
July 4 Preparations
For the first time, the Department of Homeland Security has designated DC’s July 4 activities as a National Special Security Event, the highest security level possible.
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser issued an overview of safety preparations. She noted that the Salute to America celebration and fireworks event on July 4 will have security checkpoints with magnetometers beginning at 1 p.m. Attendees should check the U.S. Secret Service’s list of prohibited items before arriving.
The fireworks this year will begin much later than usual. Event organizers have the start time listed as 10:30 p.m., but Bowser said that they may not begin until 11 p.m., Axios reported. They’ll also be bigger than ever, as event organizers aim to break a Guiness World Record. They could last around 45 minutes.
Other holiday weekend events could contribute to crowds as well, including the National Independence Day Parade, the Great American State Fair, and the FIFA World Cup Fan Zone.
Metro Schedule
Bowser recommends that residents and visitors use Metro to get around the city during the holiday weekend. On July 4, Metro will run until 2 a.m. Fares are free from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., and parking at Metro facilities is free all day.
Metro trains will run on a normal schedule during the day, then will increase in frequency after 5 p.m.
The Smithsonian station gets the most crowded, Metro says. Because of this, trains may bypass it without stopping if the station is too crowded. It may become exit-only after 5 p.m. and entrance-only after 9 p.m.
To avoid the densest crowds, customers can use alternative stations that are slightly farther from the events. These include Gallery Place, Judiciary Square, Union Station, Foggy Bottom, Capitol South, and Federal Center SW.
Road Closures
There will be several road closures in the area leading up to and on July 4. If you drive, anticipate delays and detours.
In Washington, DC, some closures will be in place as early as Wednesday, July 1. Many roads close starting at 10 p.m. on July 3, with more closing by 4 a.m. on July 4.
In addition to complete closures, there will be several roads posted as “Emergency No Parking,” and many that will close to thru traffic. Check the Metropolitan Police Department website for the full schedule of closures and restrictions.
Arlington will also have several road closures to be aware of, beginning at 5 a.m. on July 4 and going until 1 a.m. on July 5. The Arlington County Police Department has posted the full list of closures.
Watercraft Restrictions
Boaters hoping to view the fireworks from the river will also face restrictions.
From 8 a.m. on Thursday, July 2, to 6 a.m. on Sunday, July 5, all waterways of the Potomac River from the Francis Scott Key Bridge to 200 yards south of the 14th Street Bridge will be closed.
From 6 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, all waterways of the Anacostia River from the 11th Street Bridge to 200 yards south of the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge will be closed.
Don’t forget to check out our insider’s tips to viewing the fireworks and our list of where to see the DC fireworks from Northern Virginia.
Feature image, stock.adobe.com
