The Freedom 250 Grand Prix is almost here, and the buildout is already changing the way people get around the National Mall. With road restrictions increasing, Metro is giving racegoers a roadmap for getting to the track.
If you’ve been downtown, you’ve probably noticed barriers, which have made getting around that part of the city look very different.
The Grand Prix will take over the streets in front of the U.S. Capitol and along the National Mall during the weekend of Aug. 22-23.
If you’re planning to go to the race next weekend, where you get off Metro is going to be crucial.
For now, construction continues, but in just a few days, barriers will help define the 1.7-mile, seven-turn racecourse. A rack of tires is already staged along Constitution Avenue. They’ll be used for safety, helping absorb impact if a car leaves the course.
Hundreds of thousands of people are expected.
Officials are encouraging people to take Metro instead of driving into the heart of downtown, but if you’re planning on attending the race, the best station for you depends on your ticket.
- For “Stripes” ticket holders, options include Archives, Federal Center SW, L’Enfant Plaza, Judiciary Square, Gallery Place and Metro Center.
- For “Stars” ticket holders, Metro recommends Federal Triangle or Smithsonian.
“Blue, Orange and Silver lines are going to be packed. Any of the lines around the mall for sure … still the best way to get around the D.C.,” resident Javier Cuxart said.
And it’s not just ground transportation that could be affected. The Federal Aviation Administration says flights at Reagan National Airport will be paused for three hours Sunday, Aug. 23. The pause is currently scheduled to last from 10:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., but the FAA says that could change.
The FAA is telling travelers to check their flight status directly with their airlines.
“I will be trying to avoid the city next weekend,” Cuxart said.
Bud Denker, the organizer of the race, said the Grand Prix will pay for all costs of producing the event and any damage that might be done to D.C. streets.
“Twenty-three days away from now, you’re going to see the most amazing spectacle that we’ve seen in the city streets here in Washington, D.C.,” Denker said. “Our simulations show that on Pennsylvania Avenue, our cars will be about 185 mph — legally.”
from Local – NBC4 Washington https://ift.tt/qma1LoM
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