WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Metropolitan Police Department has issued a traffic advisory for the Freedom 250 Salute to America celebration and other Independence Day events scheduled around the District this week, warning drivers to prepare for rolling parking restrictions, street closures and heavy pedestrian activity.
The July 4 events include the Salute to America celebration, the Barracks Row Parade, the Independence Day Parade and the Palisades Parade. MPD said the restrictions are connected to event buildout and security requirements.
Some closures began Sunday, June 28, at 6 a.m., including 15th Street from Constitution Avenue NW to Independence Avenue SW, Madison Drive from 15th Street to 14th Street NW and Jefferson Drive from 15th Street to 14th Street SW.
Beginning Monday, June 29, at 7 p.m., Constitution Avenue from 23rd Street to 6th Street NW is posted as Emergency No Parking. At the same time, the eastbound curb lane of Constitution Avenue from 14th Street to 6th Street NW is closed to vehicle traffic, and Independence Avenue from 15th Street to Maine Avenue SW is also closed.
More restrictions continue through the week. On Tuesday, June 30, at 8 p.m., 17th Street from Constitution Avenue NW to Independence Avenue SW will close. On Wednesday, July 1, at 9 a.m., the westbound curb lane of Constitution Avenue from 14th Street to 6th Street NW and Raoul Wallenberg Place from Maine Avenue to Independence Avenue SW will close.
Beginning Wednesday, July 1, at 8 p.m., additional Emergency No Parking postings and closures take effect on parts of Constitution Avenue, 17th Street, 15th Street and several nearby cross streets in Northwest. Thursday restrictions include C Street from 19th Street to 18th Street NW beginning at 6 a.m., followed by E Street from 18th to 17th streets NW and the southbound lanes of 14th Street from Pennsylvania Avenue NW to Independence Avenue SW beginning at 9 p.m.
On Friday, July 3, MPD said additional Emergency No Parking zones and closures begin at 6 a.m. around the National Mall and major downtown approaches, including Constitution Avenue segments, Henry Bacon Drive, 14th Street, 12th Street, 10th Street, 7th Street and 6th Street. Further closures begin at 10 p.m., including the westbound I-395 exit to Maine Avenue and the 12th Street Expressway, the Arlington Memorial Bridge and Independence Avenue from 23rd Street to 12th Street SW.
MPD and the D.C. Department of Transportation said motorists should expect delays, consider alternate routes and use caution because increased pedestrian traffic is expected. Officials also reminded drivers that stopping or standing on city streets or roadways to watch fireworks is prohibited.
The department said vehicles violating posted emergency no-parking signs may be ticketed and towed, and all listed closures and times are subject to change. Residents and visitors are urged to report immediate threats or emergencies to 911, and suspicious activity to 202-727-9099 or by texting 50-411.
The Washington Herald
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Washington, D.C.
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