Independence Day is almost here, and as the sun went down Wednesday, street closures went up around the National Mall.
By 7 p.m., crews blocked off part of Pennsylvania Avenue from 12th to 14th and 13th from E up to Pennsylvania Avenue.
“We are just about ready,” said Mike Litterst with the National Park Service. “Finishing touches are being put on everything from fence lines to the last of the 600-plus portable toilets are being put in place. Fireworks are packed and loaded and ready to go.”
Litterst said crews spent the day doing final preps for the massive Fourth of July celebration on the National Mall, and if you are planning to come down to watch the fireworks Friday, he has some advice:
“Parking is not existent, you know, in and around the Mall, so Metro, far and away is going to be your best bet,” he said. “If you travel after 5 o’clock on Friday, all of your rides are free on Metrorail, Metrobus, so that’s a great way to get down and go home as well.”
All of the streets highlighted in red will be closed for most of Friday, so public transit is the most efficient way to go.
Metro will run extra service to accommodate crowds and offer free rides after 5 p.m. Here’s what to know.
“It’s just not viable to try and drive anywhere near that area,” Litterst said.
Prepare to see a lot of folks in uniform as 140 National Guard will be on hand to help D.C. police with traffic and crowd control.
“Just making sure people are able to find their way from point A to point B, particularly all of those visitors that are coming in from outside the city,” said Brigadier General Leland D. Blanchard with the D.C. National Guard.
The streets will reopen Saturday afternoon, but heads up: officials said unexpected conditions could cause the times to change.
Limited access to the National Mall
Fencing is already up around the National Mall to help with security screenings, and NPS is sending a reminder about prohibited items: leave the glass bottles and personal fireworks at home. If you’re coming out early, prepare for heat. Wear light, loose-fitting clothing, stay hydrated with water and take breaks from the sun.
Washington’s big fireworks show is scheduled to begin at 9:09 p.m., but family activities on the National Mall will begin at 2 p.m. Smithsonian museums will be open, too, offering a convienent place to cool off.
The National Mall will have tight security, and visitors must enter through specific access points:
- Constitution Avenue at Henry Bacon Drive NW
- 17th Street NW at Constitution Ave NW
- 15th Street NW at Madison Drive NW
- 14th Street SW at Jefferson Drive SW
- George Mason Memorial
Here’s a map of the National Mall that shows the locations of access points, restrooms, food service, medical aid and more. Expect a security screening. Alcoholic beverages, weapons, drones and other items are prohibited from entering the secure area.
National Mall road and memorial closures for the Fourth of July
The National Park Service announced these road closures for Friday, July 4:
- The National Mall will be closed between 14th Street and the Lincoln Memorial from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, July 4 for a security sweep. All visitors entering that area after 2 p.m. will be screened.
- Due to limited access and safety concerns caused by construction, the Lincoln Memorial, including the steps and access ramp, will be closed on July 4 from 6 a.m. until approximately 11 p.m.
- The Washington Monument will close at noon on Thursday, July 3 and reopen at 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 5.
- The World War II Memorial will close at 4 p.m. on July 4. Cleanup of the memorial will begin immediately following the fireworks show and the site will open as soon as the cleanup is complete, anticipated to be no later than noon on Saturday, July 5.
- The Old Post Office Tower will be closed on July 4.
- Paddle boats at the Tidal Basin will not operate on July 4.
- Big Bus Tours will not operate on the Mall on July 4.
- East Potomac Golf Course will be open regular operating hours on July 4 (6:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.).
CNN/USAF Band Fourth of July Celebration road closures
D.C. police shared this information about other road closures.
From Wednesday at 7 p.m. to Saturday at 3 p.m., these streets will be closed and parking is prohibited.
- 13th Street from E Street to Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
- Pennsylvania Avenue from 14th Street to 12th Street, NW
Want to know what’s up for your weekend? Sign up for The Weekend Scene, our newsletter about events, experiences and adventures for you and for your family around the DMV.
from Local – NBC4 Washington https://ift.tt/2IUqJ1V
0 Comments