Washington, D.C. gears up for the annual #FITDC HerStory 5K Run/Walk this Saturday, but residents and visitors should brace themselves for significant traffic disruptions and parking crunches as the event rolls out its road closures and parking restrictions. The Metropolitan Police Department detailed the planned changes, giving motorists a heads-up to plan their routes accordingly and avoid potential delays.

The race, which champions the spirit of women's history month, will lead to a morning where the streets are temporarily transformed into a no-parking, no-driving zone. From 4:30 a.m. to approximately 12:30 p.m. on March 9, roads including 13th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue up to 14th Street, and stretches around Constitution Avenue will be off-limits to vehicular traffic. It's anticipated that during the event, with caution increased pedestrian activity will flood the streets.

Furthermore, drivers should note additional streets such as 3rd Street from Constitution Avenue to D Street, and Independence Avenue from 3rd to 7th Streets will be under emergency no-parking edicts and will also be closed off to cars between 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The authorities emphasize that these times are flexible and subject to shifts depending on the conditions of the day.

Emergency no-parking signs will be posted along the routes well in advance, warning residents and visitors of the upcoming restrictions. The city has made it clear that non-compliance with the parking regulations will result in tickets and towing offenses. Motorists caught in the vicinity of the event may wish to consider alternative routes as significant delays can be foreseen. It's worth noting that the Metropolitan Police Department and the D.C. Department of Transportation also wishes to remind motorists to proceed with caution as there may be an increase in pedestrians.