D.C.’s July 4th fireworks typically draw thousands of people to the city.

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Be prepared for a frustrating weekend ahead for travel. Transportation agencies are warning of busy roads and packed Metro trains with potentially hour-long waits after the Fourth of July fireworks due to a train shortage.

AAA predicts 47.9 million people across the country will travel 50 miles or more over this holiday weekend, an increase of nearly 4% over 2021 and just shy of pre-pandemic volumes. About 88% of travellers will drive and only 7% will fly — a decade low — and 5% will use other means to travel for the holiday weekend. About a million people in the D.C. region are predicted to travel.

And despite historically high gas prices (ranging between $4.61 and $4.93 in the region), AAA expects a record 42 million people will hit the road.

“Earlier this year, we started seeing the demand for travel increase and it’s not tapering off,” said Paula Twidale, senior vice president, AAA Travel. “People are ready for a break and despite things costing more, they are finding ways to still take that much-needed vacation.”

Here’s what you need to know for the long weekend:

Metro

If you’re headed down to the National Mall for fireworks, Metro says to pack your patience.

With the 7000-series trains still largely sidelined, Metro doesn’t have enough trains to meet demand. They say riders should be prepared to wait up to an hour for trains after the big fireworks show ends. They may temporarily close some stations if crowding becomes excessive.

Metro suggests avoiding transfers, which could extend travel time. Instead, select a destination station on the same line as your origin.

They also say waiting a bit after the fireworks will give you a better travel experience.

“Consider taking advantage of restaurants and other attractions downtown and at The Wharf to allow crowding to subside,” Metro wrote in its service advisory. “Consider utilizing a station other than Smithsonian, which typically sees the most crowding.”

 

  • Foggy Bottom (may become ‘entry only’ after fireworks)
  • Metro Center
  • Federal Triangle
  • Archives
  • Gallery Place
  • Judiciary Square
  • Union Station
  • L’Enfant Plaza
  • Capitol South
  • Federal Center SW
  • Arlington Cemetery (open until 11 p.m)

D.C.’s Circulator bus service will not run its National Mall route on the Fourth because of street closures. Other Circulator routes will be running.

Driving 

Drivers should expect the longest delays heading into the holiday weekend during the afternoons on Thursday and Friday as commuters leave work early and mix with holiday travelers, according to AAA and traffic monitoring company INRIX.

“We expect nationwide travel times to increase about 50% compared to normal,” says Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX. “Drivers around major metro areas must be prepared for significantly more delays. “Knowing when and where congestion will build can help drivers avoid the stress of sitting in traffic.”

D.C.’s worst traffic is estimated to be in the Outer Beltway on Thursday afternoon from Silver Spring in Maryland southwest to the Dulles Access Road in Virginia.

Several local streets will be closed for the Fourth, including most of the National Mall starting around 4 a.m. on the Fourth.

For those heading to the beach, Maryland transportation officials say Chesapeake Bay Bridge traffic will be best after 10 p.m. on Thursday, before 7 a.m. and after 10 p.m. on Friday, and before 7 a.m. and after 5 p.m. on Saturday.

For those that plan to drink on the Fourth, you can get $15 off a Lyft ride home by visiting wrap.org/soberride.

Air travel 

Friday is shaping up to be the busiest day for air travel during the holiday weekend, but volume is down this year — the lowest since 2011, AAA predicts.

At Dulles and Reagan airports, parking has been tight during the summer season. Officials there recommend reserving parking online before you go. Currently, Reagan shows about 90% of garages full for the weekend. Dulles lots range between 70% and 90% full. They also recommend taking Metro as an alternative.

Read more about the troubles with flights and other air traffic woes over at NPR.org.

Filed Under: 4th of July, 4th of July travel, holiday transportation, holiday travel, metro, transportation,