Photo by cb nworks

Photo by cb nworks

A new Smithsonian museum is opening on Saturday with President Barack Obama in attendance, which means only one thing for downtown traffic congestion: expect the worst!

Or not? Mayor Muriel Bowser announced yesterday suggestions and measures to alleviate traffic nightmares due to the opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture tomorrow, and several commemorating events taking place from today until Sunday.

The most traffic disruptions are expected to begin today at 7 p.m. and last through Saturday around 5 p.m., according to the release.

As requested during most major events, visitors are encouraged to take the Metro (you can use a commemorative SmarTrip card). Fortunately, Safetrack’s current surge isn’t expected to directly impact the Smithsonian and Federal Triangle stations, however other Orange Line stations will be closed. Visitors can also catch the DC Circulator, which is offering a special service on its National Mall route beginning at 7 a.m. tomorrow. It will have more direct service along Independence Avenue SW, with the closest stop to the festivities being on 12th Street SW and Independence Avenue SW. The route will run the museum loop only after 2 p.m. on Saturday and all day Sunday.

Capital Bikeshare also announced that its guaranteeing available docks on Saturday from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the 10th Street & Constitution Avenue docking station. However, two stations will be closed all day on Saturday—Jefferson Drive & 14th St SW and Jefferson Drive & 12th Street SW.

There will be no public parking near the museum, which sits across from the National Monument. And drivers can expect to see traffic control officers and safety technicians at multiple intersections around the museum for the dedication ceremony. DDOT’s traffic management center will also monitor conditions and send out more staff to congested areas as needed. Plus, traffic signals will be adjusted in real time to keep traffic moving.

Meanwhile, local and federal agencies will be on high alert for security issues on Saturday from 5 a.m. until 11 p.m. And the museum is telling visitors to prepare for security screenings.

And then, there are the obligatory road closures, according to the mayor’s release:

The following closures will continue from 7 p.m. Friday, September 23 until approximately 10 p.m. on Sunday, September 25:

  • 15th Street from Constitution Avenue NW to Maine Avenue SW
  • Madison Drive NW from Seventh Street NW to 15th Street NW
  • Jefferson Drive SW from Seventh Street SW to 15th Street SW

These closures will be in effect beginning Saturday, September 24.

  • Constitution Avenue will be closed from 12th Street NW to 18th Street NW in both directions
  • All eastbound traffic will be diverted to northbound 18th Street NW from Constitution Avenue NW
  • All southbound traffic on 17th Street NW will be diverted to westbound Constitution Avenue NW
  • All westbound traffic will be diverted to northbound 12th Street NW from Constitution Avenue NW
  • NOTE: The 12th Street tunnel will remain open during this time period
  • 15th Street from Pennsylvania Avenue NW to Maine Avenue SW
  • 14th Street from Pennsylvania Avenue NW to Independence Avenue SW
  • NOTE: Access to the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center will be via 13½ Street NW during this time period
  • Madison Drive NW from Seventh Street NW to 15th Street NW
  • Jefferson Drive SW from Seventh Street SW to 15th Street SW

The following closures will be in effect from 6 a.m. Sunday, September 25 until approximately 10 p.m. on Sunday, September 25:

  • Constitution Avenue will be closed from 14th Street NW to 18th Street NW in both directions
  • 15th Street from Pennsylvania Avenue NW to Maine Avenue SW
  • All eastbound traffic will be diverted to northbound 18th Street NW from Constitution Avenue NW
  • All southbound traffic on 17th Street NW will be diverted to westbound Constitution Avenue NW

If you didn’t score a free pass, but want to be part of the festivities, the museum is hosting Freedom Sounds: A Community Celebration—a three-day free festival taking place on the Washington Monument grounds. Beginning this evening, the event will include musical performances, spoken word, oral-history activities, storytelling and interactive workshops.

Tomorrow’s portion of the festival will feature performances from Living Colour, Public Enemy, and The Roots.

Filed Under: african american history museum, national museum of african american history and culture, road closures,