The fireworks show is still slated to go on Wednesday on the National Mall despite the heat, despite the continuing recovery from the weekend storm and despite cancellations of other shows.
But those going to see it should take note before heading down to the Mall – or traveling anywhere around the city for the scheduled slew of other events.
Streets around the District will be closed for the nighttime fireworks show, but also the daytime parades at Capitol Hill and Palisades. There’s also a Nationals game with an 11:05 a.m. start. And that’s all before the 17-minute firework extravaganza is scheduled to start at 9:10 p.m.
Officials encourage people to take public transportation to the events.
For those taking Metro, here’s what you need to know:
Metrorail service will run from 7 a.m. until midnight with extra rush-hour-like service from 6 p.m. to midnight. The Smithsonian station will remain open all day, unlike in past years, but it will be “entry only” at the end of the fireworks show.
Even so, the agency encourages people to use other downtown stations besides Smithsonian and Federal Triangle.
No bikes are allowed on the system and people should be prepared to walk up and down escalators as they will likely be turned off due to crowds.
And keep in mind that Metro is now charging a $1 fee for each trip when riders use paper farecards. So load up enough money for a two-way trip onto your card to avoid evening lines.
As for driving, here are the road closures, according to the D.C. Metropolitan Police:
No Parking Restrictions 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.:
• 3rd Street, from Independence to Constitution Avenue, NW
• 4th Street, from Independence to Constitution Avenue, NW
• 7th Street, from Independence to Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
• 14th Street, from Independence to Constitution Avenue, NW
• 15th Street, from Constitution to E Street NW
• 17th Street, from Constitution to E Street NW
• Constitution Avenue, both sides, from Pennsylvania Ave., west to 23rd Street, NW
• 10th Street, NW, between Constitution and Pennsylvania Avenues, NW
• 14th Street, NW, between Constitution and Pennsylvania Avenues, NW
• C Street, NW, from 17th to 18th Street, Both Sides.
• Virginia Avenue, NW from Constitution Avenue to 21st Street.
Streets Closed from about 6 a.m. until about 11 p.m.:
• 4th Street from Independence Avenue SW to Constitution Avenue NW
• 7th Street from Independence Avenue SW to Constitution Avenue NW
• 15th Street from Pennsylvania Avenue NW to Maine Avenue SW
• 17th Street from Independence Avenue SW to E Street NW
• 19th Street NW, from C Street to Constitution Avenue
• 20th Street NW, from C Street to Constitution Avenue
• 21st Street NW, from C Street to Constitution Avenue
• 22nd Street NW, from C Street to Constitution Avenue
• 23rd Street NW from Independence Avenue SW to C Street NW
• Virginia Avenue NW from 18th Street to 20th Street
• Constitution Avenue NW from 14th Street to 23rd Street.
• Independence Avenue SW from 14th Street to 23rd Street
Streets Closed from about 11:30 a.m. until about 11 p.m.
• 14th Street from Independence Avenue to Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
• 3rd Street from Maryland Avenue SW to Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Streets Closed from about 11:30 a.m. until about 3 p.m.
• 9th Street Tunnel from Pennsylvania Avenue to the SE/SW Freeway
• 12th Street Tunnel from the SE/SW Freeway to Pennsylvania Avenue
The 14th Street Bridge and the Roosevelt Bridge will remain open throughout the day. There will be no parking or stopping allowed on the bridges. Any vehicles that stop on the bridge will be immediately ticketed and towed.
45th Annual Palisades July 4th Parade:
The parade begins at Whitehaven Parkway and MacArthur Boulevard NW., and proceeds Northwest on MacArthur, left on Edmunds Place, left on Sherrier Place, and a right into the Palisades Recreation Center. Road will cost about noon and reopen about 1:30 p.m. MacArthur Boulevard will be closed from Reservoir Road to Arizona Ave. There will be rolling street closures during this event.
Capitol Hill July 4th Parade:
The annual parade on Capitol Hill will form at 8th & I Streets, SE at 8 a.m. The parade will be between 10 a.m. and noon. The parade will precede north on 8th Street, and west on D Street, SE to the park at 7th and D Street, SE. There will be rolling street closures during this event.
