Fourth of July weekend is nearly here. The holiday will look different this year in the wake of COVID-19, but are still a number of events planned throughout the region, from President Donald Trump’s second annual “Salute to America” event to continued demonstrations following the killing of George Floyd, some of which are aimed at reframing Independence Day.
If you’re planning on going out this weekend, here’s what you need to know about getting around town.
Metro has announced modified service for July 4, including more trains and service beyond 9 p.m. at designated stations close to the National Mall.
Trains will run on a usual “COVID-19 weekend schedule” on Saturday before more frequent service begins on all lines at 4 p.m. The following stations will be open for “entry only” following the end of the fireworks display:
- L’Enfant Plaza
- Smithsonian
- Federal Triangle
- Metro Center
- McPherson Square
- Farragut West
- Foggy Bottom
- Rosslyn
- Farragut North
- Gallery Place
After 9 p.m., most other stations will be “exit only,” though Metro will continue running trains on all lines until “all customers have been accommodated.”
Nine Orange and Silver Line stations west of Ballston are also being served by shuttle buses instead of trains due to planned construction work, and Arlington Cemetery will remain closed until further notice.
The Metropolitan Police Department will also close a number of streets in and around downtown.
Independence Avenue SW from 17th Street and Ohio Drive SW, 23rd Street NW from Constitution Avenue NW to Memorial Bridge, and Henry Bacon Drive from Constitution Avenue NW to Memorial Circle will all be closed from 6 p.m. on July 3 to 11:59 p.m. the following day, according to a traffic advisory issued Thursday.
The following streets will also be closed to cars from around 11:00 a.m. on Saturday until midnight:
- 9th Street NW from E Street to Constitution Avenue NW
- 8th Street NW from E Street to D Street NW
- 7th Street, NW from E Street to Independence Avenue SW
- 6th Street NW from E Street to Constitution Avenue NW
- 5th Street NW from E Street to Indiana Avenue NW
- 4th Street, NW from E Street to Independence Avenue SW
- D Street from 3rd Street to 9th Street NW
- Pennsylvania Avenue NW from 3rd Street to 9th Street NW
- Constitution Avenue, NW from 3rd Street to 9th Street NW
- Indiana Avenue NW from 3rd Street to 7th Street NW
- 9th Street Tunnel
National Mall public entry access points will open at 1:00 p.m. and close at 9 p.m. Police will designate various emergency no-parking zones in the area, as well, and drivers are prohibited from stopping on city streets to watch the fireworks.
