UPDATE: Virginia officials will lift restrictions on the High Occupancy Vehicle lanes on I-95 and 395, between Dumfries and the Pentagon, on Monday.
Independence Day weekend will bring changes to commute patterns in our area.
Highways
On Interstates 95 and 395, the High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes will be open to southbound traffic from noon Friday until 2 p.m. Saturday.
The lanes will then be reversed for northbound traffic at 4 p.m. Saturday until 7:30 p.m. Sunday.
After a fireworks show on the National Mall in Washington, the HOV lanes will again be reversed at 9 p.m.
To accommodate travelers attending Fourth of July events in Washington, the Virginia Department of Transportation will coordinate and adjust signal timings at approximately 116 signalized intersections along major arterial roads, including routes 1, 7, 29, 50, 123, 236 and 244. Signals will be timed to help move traffic into Washington during the day and then south and west from the city between 9:30 p.m. and midnight, stated VDOT.
Metro
Metro rail will operate near rush hour service for most of the day on Sunday, offering six car trains throughout the day as more than 500,000 are expected to use the system to get to the fireworks display on the National Mall, according to Metro.
The system will open at 7 a.m. and close at midnight. Trains will leave each station every eight minutes, stated Metro officials.
The Smithsonian station on the Blue and Orange lines will be closed until after the fireworks show concludes.
Parking at all Metro stations will be free Sunday.
“Attendees should consider using any of several stations to the get to The Mall, including Farragut North, Federal Center SW, Capitol South, Union Station and Judiciary Square Metrorail stations. If possible, people should avoid transferring from one line to another at Metro Center, Gallery Pl-Chinatown or L’Enfant Plaza Metrorail stations to cut down on their travel time,” stated Metro.
PRTC OmniRide
There will be no OmniRide or OmniLink bus service on Monday.
The transit agency will run extra buses Friday afternoon to avoid crowding.
“Because PRTC experiences a significant increase in midday and early afternoon OmniRide passengers on the day before a three-day weekend, to avoid overcrowding you may want to consider taking Metrorail or other regional bus services and transfer to a Metro Direct bus to complete your commute,” according to a PRTC press release.
Those who need an OmniLink reservation for Tuesday should call before 7 p.m. Friday.
Virginia Railway Express
There will be no commuter rail service in Virginia on Monday.
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Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
