Washington, D.C.’s District Department of Transportation is urging drivers to take caution or alternative travel means as cherry blossom season is underway in the nation’s capital.
The annual bloom of the cherry blossom trees in Washington started on Friday, and peak bloom this year is set to begin on March 29 and conclude on April 1. Ahead of peak bloom, the National Park Service told the Washington Examiner it is expecting a “heavy” increase in downtown traffic amid the tourism.
“Each spring, traffic around the Tidal Basin and adjacent National Mall roadways — especially Independence Avenue SW, Maine Avenue SW, Ohio Drive SW, and the bridge approaches — is heavy as visitors travel to see the cherry blossoms,” a NPS spokesperson told the Washington Examiner.
“Traffic may extend across any road within walking distance of the Tidal Basin and can spill onto major commuter routes leading into downtown Washington, D.C. Once peak bloom begins, blossoms usually last 7–10 days, during which traffic is consistently heavy, particularly on weekends. Elevated traffic can persist throughout the larger National Cherry Blossom Festival period.”
The NPS is encouraging residents and tourists to use public transportation, such as the city’s Metro rail system or Capital Bikeshare, amid the traffic increase.
People who still intend to drive are encouraged to avoid the Tidal Basin area “when possible.” Traveling on alternative routes or during “off-peak hours” is also recommended.
“With the festival drawing approximately 1.5 million visitors in recent years, those arriving to see the blossoms should plan for crowds, arrive early in the day or later in the evening, anticipate limited parking, and be prepared for conditions that shift with weather and bloom timing,” the spokesperson said.
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The district is hosting a variety of events to celebrate the annual cherry blossom festival, which will conclude on April 12. Some of these events include a kite festival on March 28, a fireworks festival on April 4, and a parade on April 11.
The National Park Service announced in February that Japan is giving the United States 250 new cherry blossom trees to replace those removed during the restoration of the Tidal Basin. The total number of trees gifted ties into the U.S.’s 250th birthday this year.
Multimedia journalist Sydney Topf contributed to this story.
